Mastectomy Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Mastectomy and links to relevant pages within the course.
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| Discussion A phlebotomist should never use an arm with restricted usage for the venipuncture. Even if no sign is posted, the patient may tell you not to use a particular arm for various reasons, i.e. previous mastectomy, history of phlebitis, active AV fistula, etc. Do not draw blood above an IV line. If blood is taken from a vein above an IV line it might be diluted by the IV fluid, which could cause incorrect test results. In this case, Bobby should choose a vein on the dorsum of Mrs. Grayson’s hand, below the IV. A butterfly needle would facilitate drawing blood from these small hand veins.Relevant topics:Alternate sites, Sites to avoid, Signs, Arms to avoid
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| Case Bobby Jones, a phlebotomist at Georgetown Hospital, entered the room of Mrs. Mary Grayson with a physician's order to draw some blood work. After properly greeting Mrs. Grayson, identifying himself and checking her armband, Bobby prepared for the venipuncture. He suddenly notice a sign posted above the bed that read: “Restricted left arm usage. Previous mastectomy - Do no use left arm for venipuncture.” Bobby set up his equipment to use her right arm and noticed an IV line in Mrs. Grayson’s right arm positioned in a vein slightly above her wrist on the dorsum (top) of her forearm. | View Page |
| Arms to avoid In general, do not collect blood from:Arms on the same side as a previous mastectomy.Arms with phlebitis or infection.Arms with a vascular shunt.
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| Bobby Jones, a phlebotomist at Community Hospital, entered the room of Mrs. Mary Grayson with a physician's order to draw some blood work. After greeting Mrs. Grayson, identifying himself, and properly identifying the patient, Bobby prepared for the venipuncture.As he approached the patient's bed, he noticed a sign posted above the bed that read: “Restricted left arm usage. Previous mastectomy - Do no use left arm for venipuncture.” Bobby set up his equipment to use the patient's right arm and noticed an intravenous (IV) line in Mrs. Grayson’s right arm positioned in a vein slightly above her wrist on the dorsum (top) of her forearm.Which site should Bobby choose for the venipuncture? | View Page |