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Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) Free Test Prep

Category - Free Phlebotomy Technician Practice Test

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Phil the New Phlebotomy Tech is preparing to draw a gentamycin peak and trough. He has chosen the correct color-topped tubes. Other than the correct color-topped tubes, what should Phil know when preparing for this kind of draw?
  1. Level of physical activity of the patient.
  2. Posture of the patient.
  3. The timing instructions.
  4. Amount of time since last meal.
Explanation
Answer: C - Phil needs to know the timing instructions before drawing these samples. Peak and trough levels are drawn for the purpose of monitoring therapeutic drug levels in the blood stream. A peak level is drawn to determine the highest level the drug reaches in the blood stream; a trough level is drawn to determine the lowest level the drug reaches in the blood stream. These levels vary depending on many things, including dosage and frequency. Physicians order peak and troughs to determine if the medication has reached therapeutic drug levels; timing is critical for a successful result.
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