Chapter 3 - Blood Specimen Collection

Question 1

Which step in the CLSI procedure for venipuncture is part of standard precautions?

Answer 1

a. Wearing gloves

Question 2

Select the needle most commonly used in standard venipuncture in an adult:

Answer 2

b. One inch, 21 gauge

Question 3

For a complete blood count (hematology) and measurement of prothrombin time (coagulation), the phlebotomist collected blood into lavender stopper and green stopper tubes. Are these specimens acceptable?

Answer 3

b. No, although EDTA is used for hematologic testing, citrate, not heparin, is used for coagulation testing.

Question 4

The vein of choice for performing a venipuncture is the:

Answer 4

c. Median or median cubital, because it has the lowest risk of damaging nerves in the arm

Question 5

The most important step in phlebotomy is:

Answer 5

b. Identifying the patient

Question 6

The venipuncture needle should be inserted into the arm with the bevel facing:

Answer 6

b. Up and an angle of insertion less than 30 degrees

Question 7

Failure to obtain blood by venipuncture may occur because
of all of the following except:

Answer 7

b. Tying the tourniquet too tightly

Question 8

What is the recommended order of draw when the evacuated tube system is used?

Answer 8

d. Blood culture, coagulation, nonadditive, and gel separator or other additives

Question 9

Which one of the following is an acceptable site for skin puncture on infants:

Answer 9

b. Lateral or medial plantar surface of the heel

Question 10

An anticoagulant is an additive placed in evacuated tubes to:

Answer 10

c. Prevent the blood from clotting

Question 11

Which one of the following is a reason for specimen rejection:

Answer 11

c. Specimen in lavender stopper tube grossly hemolyzed

Question 12

One legal area of concern for the phlebotomist is:

Answer 12

a. Breach of patient confidentiality