Question

Sally Ann is a medical assistant at the local clinic. She has been employed by the clinic for 3 years. She attends annual
trainings and participates in required continuing education units yearly as required by her certification. Sally Ann has
been partying hard all week because she is turning 21 years old. On the Monday after arriving at work, she sees on the
schedule she will be working in the lab. She puts her personal items away and goes directly to the lab where Ms. Austin
has been waiting to have her blood drawn. Sally Ann places the tourniquet on the patient to palpate for the vein. She
feels a good basilic and median vein. She picks the basilic. Ms. Austin tells Sally Ann she prefers the other arm, which
usually is great for blood draws. Sally Ann tells Ms. Austin the vein she found is fine and proceeds. Sally Ann turns
around to get an alcohol swab to wipe the area but doesn't find one. She tells Ms. Austin she will be right back because
the lab wasn't stocked up. When Sally Ann returns 3 mins later, Ms. Austin has passed out and her arm is puffy.
Answer the follow questions about the scenario:
a. List all the errors made by Sally Ann.
b. Why is the patient's arm puffy?
c. What should Sally Ann do to help the patient?
d. What repercussions (if any) should Sally Ann face based on your identification of errors in question A?

Answer 1

a. It seems that Sally Ann made a few errors in this scenario:
1. She ignored the patient's preference and chose a different vein.
2. She didn't properly prepare the area with an alcohol swab.
3. She left the patient unattended, which resulted in the patient passing out.

b. The patient's arm is puffy because when Sally Ann didn't properly prepare the area, it could have led to an infection or an infiltration of fluid into the surrounding tissues.

c. To help the patient, Sally Ann should immediately call for medical assistance. She should also monitor the patient's vital signs and provide any necessary first aid until help arrives.

d. Based on the errors identified, Sally Ann may face repercussions such as disciplinary action, additional training, or even legal consequences, depending on the severity of the patient's condition and the policies of the clinic. It's important for healthcare professionals to follow proper procedures and prioritize patient safety.