American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

During a 2-hour glucose tolerance test, what should a phlebotomist do if the patient vomits?

1. Continue the test as planned

2. Stop the test, it is complete

3. Give the patient water

4. Notify the physician but continue

The correct answer is: Stop the test, it is complete

When a patient vomits during a glucose tolerance test, the appropriate response is to stop the test as it is no longer valid. Vomiting can interfere with the absorption of glucose and potentially skew the test results, making it difficult to accurately assess the patient's glucose metabolism. Continuing the test after vomiting would compromise the reliability of the data being collected. Stopping the test ensures that the patient's health is prioritized and allows for proper assessment and management of their condition. The physician should be notified to evaluate the patient's situation and decide on the next steps, which may involve rescheduling the test at a later time when the patient is stable and able to complete it without issues. This process helps maintain the integrity of the testing protocols and the safety of the patient.