Donor Physical

Study Questions

KEY

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Points: 13

Use the lab exercise, lecture guide and/or textbook to answer the following questions. Each response is worth 0.5 unless otherwise stated.

For each of the following parameters list the values which are considered acceptable for an allogeneic blood donor. Answers must contain proper units to receive credit.

1.         Weight 110 pounds

2.         Temperature               99.5F OR 37.5C

3.         Pulse               50-100 beats per minute and regular

4.         Blood pressure

            a.         Systolic 180 mm Hg

            b.         Diastolic100 mm Hg

5.         Hemoglobin

            a.         allogeneic       12.5 g/dL

            b.         autologous      11.0 g/dL

6.         Hematocrit

            a.         allogeneic       38%

            b.         autologous      33%

7.         Answer each of the following as it relates to the copper sulfate screening procedure for hemoglobin.

            a.         Specific gravity of solution used- 1.053

            b.         Number of times solution can be used - 25

            c.         Principle of the test (1 point) -

This is a qualitative screening test based on specific gravity. The density of the drop of blood is directly proportional to the amount of hemoglobin it contains. The drop of donor's blood dropped into copper sulfate solution becomes encased in a sac of copper proteinate, which prevents any change in the specific gravity for about 15 seconds. If the hemoglobin is equal to or more than 12.5 gm/dL the drop will sink within 15 seconds and the donor is accepted.

            d.         Describe 2 observations that indicate an unacceptable test (1 point)

            If the blood drop sinks to the middle and remains or starts to rise the donor is deferred. 

8.         Describe what should be looked for at the site chosen for performance of the phlebotomy. (1 point) 

The skin at the site of venipuncture must be free of lesions. Check both arms for signs of IV drug abuse.

9.         Describe why written informed consent must be obtained from the potential blood donor. (1 point)

The consent should include a statement informing the donor about the infectious diseases for which the blood will be tested, a statement of what will happen if the blood is found positive in a laboratory test, that they understand the risks of blood donation and their questions have been answered, a statement that the donor is voluntarily donating their blood for use by the blood center and that the donor has provided a true and accurate medical history..

10.       List two possible adverse affects of blood donation. (2 points)

Syncope is a general term used for fainting.
Hyperventilation caused by excessive respiration, have donor rebreathe into a paper bag.

Nausea and vomiting

Twitching or muscular spasms occurs most commonly with loss of consciousness and occurs in one half of donors who lose consciousness.

Hematoma

Convulsions

Cardiac difficulties

11.       List three instructions to be given to the donor about post-phlebotomy activity. (1.5 points)

                          a.          Eat and drink before leaving.

                          b.          Do not leave until released by staff.

                          c.          Drink more fluids in next 4 hours.

                          d.          No alcohol until you have eaten.

                          e.          Do not smoke for one half hour.

                          f.          If bleeding continues raise arm and apply pressure.

                          g.          If faint or dizzy lie down or sit down with head between your legs.

                          h.          If symptoms persist return to blood bank or see your doctor.

                          i.           Cautions about returning to work.

                          j.           Remove bandage.

                          k.          Restoration of normal blood volume occurs in approximately 3 days.