Exam Study Flashcards
What is the most common complication associated with phlebotomy?
a) Hematoma
b) Infection
c) Hemorrhage
d) Thrombosis
a) Hematoma
Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture?
a) Basilic vein
b) Cephalic vein
c) Median cubital vein
d) Dorsal metacarpal vein
c) Median cubital vein
What is the appropriate angle for needle insertion during venipuncture?
a) 15 - 30 degrees
b) 30 - 45 degrees
c) 45 - 60 degrees
d) 60 - 75 degrees
a) 15 - 30 degrees
Which of the following tubes should be filled first when drawing multiple specimens?
a) Lavender top (EDTA)
b) Green top (Heparin)
c) Blue top (Sodium Citrate)
d) Red top (Serum)
c) Blue top (Sodium Citrate)
What additive is in a lavender top tube?
a) Sodium citrate
b) EDTA
c) Heparin
d) Sodium fluoride
b) EDTA
Which of the following is the correct order of draw for venipuncture?
a) light blue, red, green, lavender, gray
b) red, light blue, lavender, green, gray
c) light blue, red, lavender, green, gray
d) red, light blue, green, lavender, gray
a) light blue, red, green, lavender, gray
What is the primary purpose of using an anticoagulant in blood collection tube?
a) to preserve the shape of cells
b) to prevent blood from clotting
c) to separate plasma from serum
d) to enhance clotting
b) to prevent blood from clotting
Which of the following sites is typically used for a capillary puncture in adults?
a) heel
b) earlobe
c) finger
d) forearm
c) finger
What is the proper procedure if a patient feels faint during a blood draw?
a) continue the draw but work quickly
b) stop the draw and lay the patient down
c) call for help and continue the draw
d) ignore the symptoms and complete the draw
b) stop the draw and lay the patient down
Which blood component is responsible for clotting?
a) red blood cells
b) white blood cells
c) platelets
d) plasma
c) platelets
What is the first step in the blood collection process?
a) insert the needle
b) select and prepare the puncture site
c) apply the tourniquet
d) identify the patient
d) identify the patient
What should be done immediately after removing the needle from the patient’s vein?
a) apply a bandage
b) label the specimen tube
c) apply pressure to the puncture site
d) dispose of the needle
c) apply pressure to the puncture site
How long should a tourniquet be left on a patient’s arm during venipuncture?
a) no more than 1 minute
b) no more than 2 minutes
c) no more than 3 minutes
d) no more than 4 minutes
a) no more than 1 minute
Which of the following is a common cause of hemolysis in a blood sample?
a) slow collection of the blood
b) vigorous mixing of the blood
c) properly filling the collection tube
d) using a small gauge needle
b) vigorously mixing of the blood
Which organization is responsible for regulating laboratory testing and phlebotomy standards?
a) OSHA
b) CLIA
c) CDC
d) FDA
b) CLIA
What is the minimum time required for a site dry after applying an antiseptic before performing a venipuncture?
a) 5 seconds
b) 10 seconds
c) 15 seconds
d) 30 seconds
d) 30 seconds
What is the purpose of using a butterfly needle for venipuncture?
a) to collect larger volumes of blood
b) to improve patient comfort during collection
c) to reduce the risk of hemolysis
d) to ensure proper clot formation
b) to improve patient comfort during collection
Which of the following is considered a pre-analytical error in phlebotomy?
a) mislabeling a specimen
b) incorrect needle gauge
c) using expired tubes
d) both a and c
a) mislabeling a specimen
Which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn during venipuncture?
a) gloves
b) mask
c) goggles
d) all of the above
a) gloves
What should be done if blood stops flowing into the tube during a draw?
a) remove the needle and start over
b) slightly reposition the needle
c) increase the vacuum in the tube
d) apply more pressure to the site
b) slightly reposition the needle
What is the correct procedure for collecting a blood culture?
a) clean the site with alcohol only
b) use a single antiseptic swab
c) clean the site with alcohol and then iodine
d) use a sterile water rinse
a) clean the site with alcohol and then iodine
What is a key characteristic of a basal state?
a) patient has been fasting for at least 12 hours
b) patient has recently exercised
c) patient is dehydrated
d) patient is experiencing acute stress
a) patient has been fasting for at least 12 hours
Which vein is the least likely to be used for venipuncture due to its location near major arteries?
a) median cubital vein
b) cephalic vein
c) basilic vein
d) dorsal metacarpal vein
c) basilic vein
Which of the following factors can cause a vein to collapse during venipuncture?
a) using a large gauge needle
b) applying too much suction with the syringe
c) inserting the needle at a steep angle
d) all of the above
b) applying too much suction with the syringe
What is the main purpose of inverting tubes after collection?
a) to mix the blood with additives
b) to prevent clotting
c) to ensure proper labeling
d) to measure blood volume
a) to mix the blood with additives
How should a phlebotomist handle a needle-stick injury?
a) dispose of the needle and continue working
b) wash the site with soap and water and report the incident
c) ignore the injury if it doesn’t bleed
d) apply a bandage and continue working
b) wash he site with soap and water and report the incident
Which of the following blood tests requires fasting?
a) complete blood count (CBC)
b) blood glucose
c) electrolyte panel
d) blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
b) blood glucose
What is the function of the tourniquet in venipuncture?
a) to stop blood flow
b) to increase blood flow to he area
c) to make veins more visible
d) both b and c
c) to make veins more visible
Which of the following tubes contains sodium fluoride?
a) lavender top
b) gray top
c) green top
d) blue top
b) gray top
What is the maximum acceptable depth for a heel stick in infants?
a) 1.0 mm
b) 1.5 mm
c) 2.0 mm
d) 2.5 mm
c) 2.0 mm
What is the most appropriate action if a phlebotomist cannot locate a vein?
a) apply a warm compress to the area
b) use a smaller gauge needle
c) switch to a butterfly needle
d) attempt the draw in the same spot
a) apply a warm compress to the area
What is the role of a centrifuge in a clinical laboratory?
a) to separate blood components
b) to measure blood pressure
c) to mix blood samples
d) to store blood samples
a) to separate blood components
Which of the following is NOT a part of the venipuncture process?
a) applying a tourniquet
b) inserting the needle
c) labeling the tube
d) measuring blood pressure
d) measuring blood pressure
What is the most common gauge size used for routine adult venipuncture?
a) 16 gauge
b) 18 gauge
c) 21 gauge
d) 25 gauge
c) 21 gauge
Which of the following steps is essential before performing venipuncture on a patient with a latex allergy?
a) use latex gloves
b) use a tourniquet made of latex
c) use non-latex equipment
d) avoid using a tourniquet
c) use non-latex equipment
What is the purpose of a requisition form in phlebotomy?
a) to identify the patient
b) to list the tests ordered
c) to provide patient history
d) all of the above
b) to list the tests ordered
What is the recommended antiseptic for routine venipuncture?
a) iodine
b) alcohol
c) chlorhexidine
d) hydrogen peroxide
b) alcohol
Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma in blood?
a) transporting nutrients
b) carrying oxygen
c) removing waste products
d) regulating body temperature
b) carrying oxygen
What should be done if a patient has a seizure during venipuncture?
Remove the needle and protect the patient from injury
What is the term for blood collected and returned to the patient during surgery?
Autologous donation
Which component of blood contains hemoglobin?
Red blood cells
What is the primary function of white blood cells?
To fight infections
What is a hematoma?
A localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels
What is the proper way to dispose of a used needle?
Place it in a sharps container
What does the acronym PPE stand for?
Personal Protective Equipment
What is the purpose of a blood culture test?
To detect infections in the blood
What is the function of platelets in the blood?
To help with clotting
Which organization sets guidelines for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections?
CDC
What should be done if a patient refuses a blood draw?
Respect the patient’s decision and notify the supervisor
What is the recommended site for venipuncture in pediatric patients?
Dorsal hand veins
Which of the following is the best indication that a patient might be at risk of syncope?
a) involuntary movement
b) lightheadedness and shallow breath
c) small red spots appearing on skin
d) paleness and sweating
d) paleness and sweating
Why is it important for a phlebotomist to invert anticoagulant tubes?
a) to prevent a pH imbalance
b) to prevent hemolysis
c) to ensure proper mixing of blood and additive
d) to prevent hemoconcentration
c) to ensure proper mixing of blood and additive
Which of the following protects a patient’s information?
a) OSHA
b) HIPAA
c) The Joint Commission
d) AAHSA
b) HIPAA
Which of the following needle sizes is NOT used for laboratory assays but for collection of donor units of blood?
a) 18-gauge
b) 23-gauge
c) 21-gauge
d) 22-gauge
a) 18-gauge
How many minutes within collection of a urine sample should the phlebotomist take the temperature of the specimen?
a) within 10 minutes
b) within 45 minutes
c) within 30 minutes
d) within 4 minutes
d) within 4 minutes
Quality control checklists ensures machines are inspected for compliance at time intervals specific to the equipment and ____________.
a) clinical application
b) chemical measurement
c) expiration date
d) stock rotation
a) clinical application
Which of the following actions will most likely prevent a needle stick injury?
a) having a nurse or other healthcare team member dispose of used needles for the phlebotomist
b) replacing sharps containers when they have reached their fill line
c) recapping every needle prior to discarding it in the sharps container
d) wearing rubber gloves during venipuncture
b) replacing sharps containers when they have reached their fill line
Which of the following pieces of information need to be on a laboratory requisition from before a phlebotomist should proceed with obtaining a blood specimen?
a) the patient’s status as an organ donor
b) a specimen identification code
c) a laboratory’s CLIA number
d) the patient’s emergency contact
b) a specimen identification code
A patient is listening to a phlebotomist explain the venipuncture process before initiating the blood draw. The patient communicates their understanding but seems hesitant and confused. How should the phlebotomist handle the situation?
a) the phlebotomist should surmise that the patient has heard enough information and get ready to draw the patient’s blood
b) the phlebotomist should leave the room and ask for another doctor or nurse to explain the procedure
c) the phlebotomist should repeat the same explanation in a slower voice
d) the phlebotomist should find another way to phrase the explanation and invite the patient to ask any clarifying questions.
d) the phlebotomist should find another way to phrase the explanation and invite the patient to ask any clarifying questions
The additive in a Pink Top Tube used in blood banking is which of the following?
a) sodium polyanethole sulfonate (SPS)
b) sodium heparin
c) potassium ethylenediamineteraacetic acid (EDTA)
d) acid citrate dextrose (ACD)
c) potassium ethylenediamineteraacetic acid (EDTA)
If a patient verbally or physically refuses a venipuncture procedure, the phlebotomist should do which of the following?
a) the phlebotomist should inform the patient that they will still be responsible to pay for the procedure
b) the phlebotomist should re-explain the procedure in case the patient did not understand
c) the phlebotomist should inform the patient that they will need to reschedule their appointment
d) the phlebotomist should immediately report the refusal and actions taken to their supervisor
d) the phlebotomist should immediately report the refusal and actions taken to their supervisor
What is the recommended allowance for a total volume of blood drawn from a patient within a 24-hour period?
a) .05% - 1%
b) 1% - 5%
c) 5% - 7%
d) 10%
b) 1% - 5%
Which of the following is the proper way a phlebotomist should dispose of a needle?
a) the phlebotomist should recap it with the original white lid with the opposite hand and put it in a sharps container
b) the phlebotomist should throw it, recapped, into a biohazard bag
c) the phlebotomist should put it into a sharps container, SAFETY CAPPED, after withdrawing it from the patient’s arm
d) the phlebotomist should collect them in a cup for disposal at the end of the day
c) the phlebotomist should put it into a sharps container, SAFETY CAPPED, after withdrawing it from the patient’s arm
When drawing blood from a patient who has a contagious pathogen, like COVID-19, which PPE provides the best protection for a phlebotomist?
a) surgical mask
b) gown
c) double gloves
d) respirator
a) surgical mask
How should vitamin B6 be transported in order to protect its photosensitive nature?
a) it should be transported on ice
b) it should be transported at room temperature, no additional precaution needed
c) it should be transported in an air-tight container, no additional precaution needed
d) it should be transported in an amber or brown-colored biohazard bag.
d) it should be transported in an amber or brown-colored biohazard bag.
Before asking permission to obtain a specimen from a patient, a phlebotomist should:
a) the phlebotomist should introduce themselves to the patient and any healthcare team members in the room
b) the phlebotomist should ask the patient to extend their arm
c) the phlebotomist should locate the sharps container
d) the phlebotomist should begin to explain the phlebotomy procedure
a) the phlebotomist should introduce themselves to the patient and any healthcare team members in the room
What is an ICD-10 Code?
a) ICD-10 codes classify diagnoses and diseases
b) ICD-10 codes identify specimens
c) ICD-10 codes dictate patient care and privacy
d) ICD-10 codes organize the medical record number
a) ICD-10 codes classify diagnoses and diseases
If a patient expresses that they often faint when getting their blood drawn, a phlebotomist should do which of the following?
a) the phlebotomist should tell a nurse to supervise the patient while the phlebotomist proceeds with the blood draw
b) the phlebotomist should ask the patient to keep them updated on how they are feeling, have smelling salts ready, then proceed with the blood draw
c) the phlebotomist should perform the blood draw while the patient lies down
d) the phlebotomist should reassure the patient that they are in a safe place and keep close watch while they perform the blood draw
c) the phlebotomist should perform the blood draw while the patient lies down
How many inversions of a Lavender Top Tube should be done before placing it in the specimen collection tray?
a) 8 to 10 times
b) 2 to 6 times
c) 3 to 4 times
d) 6 to 8 times
a) 8 to 10 times
Which step of the blood draw should be done right before removing the needle from a patient’s arm?
a) inverting all the tubes used in the procedure
b) getting a bandage ready for the patient
c) re-anchoring of the skin below the draw site
d) asking the patient to open their fist
b) getting a bandage ready for the patient
A phlebotomist witnesses a nurse receive a major electric shock from an instrument and immediately calls 911. What action should the phlebotomist have taken before calling 911?
a) the phlebotomist should have first removed the nurse from the instrument and the scene of the incident
b) the phlebotomist should have first notified the supervisor that was on staff of the emergency
c) the phlebotomist should have first found another nurse to take over the injured nurse’s duties
d) the phlebotomist should have first shut off the instrument to cut off the source of the shock
d) the phlebotomist should have first shut off the instrument to cut off the source of the shock
The type of microorganism that causes disease is which of the following?
a) normal flora
b) nonpathogenic
c) pathogenic
d) hereditary
c) pathogenic
Which interfacility conditions would require a phlebotomist to transport specimens in a closed container with ice packs?
a) none as this is never necessary and will damage any specimen
b) if the specimens are hot to the touch and need to be cooled before testing
c) if it is hot weather
d) if the transported arrives and is missing a biohazard label
c) if it is hot weather
Which color signifies “instability” in the National Fire Protection Association marking system?
a) yellow
b) white
c) red
d) orange
a) yellow
If a patient decided to go on a morning jog on their way to the facility, which precautions should a phlebotomist take before proceeding with venipuncture?
a) the phlebotomist should ask the patient to raise their feet above their heart for 20 minutes
b) the phlebotomist should provide the patient with a glass of ice water
c) the phlebotomist should reschedule the appointment for another day
d) the phlebotomist should have the patient rest for 15 minutes
c) the phlebotomist should reschedule the appointment for another day
An obese patient was sent to the laboratory for a complete blood count. Which of the following veins is most likely to be the only one that the phlebotomist can palpate?
a) median cubital vein
b) cephalic vein
c) basilic vein
d) antecubital vein
b) cephalic vein
Which of the following steps should a phlebotomist take if blood was drawn from the wrong patient?
a) the phlebotomist should re-label the tubes with the correct patient’s name and move on
b) the phlebotomist should immediately report the incident to the supervisor for corrective action
c) the phlebotomist should redraw the specimen immediately and discard the wrong tubes
d) the phlebotomist should throw away and have a nurse do the draw again
b) the phlebotomist should immediately report the incident to the supervisor for corrective action
Which of the following is the additive in the Red-Gray Speckled Top Tube, also known as a Gold Top tube or SST Tube?
a) sodium heparin
b) thixotropic gel for serum separation
c) ethylenediamineteraacetic acid (EDTA)
d) no additive
b) thixotropic gel for serum separation
Where is the best draw site on a 9-month-old infant?
a) dorsal vein
b) thumb finger on either hand
c) cephalic vein
d) either heel
d) either heel
When removing gloves after a procedure, which action best prevents contact with blood?
a) the phlebotomist should discard the first glove before touching the other glove
b) the phlebotomist should ask another healthcare team member to assist them in taking off their gloves
c) the phlebotomist should pinch the fingers of one glove and tug quickly
d) the phlebotomist should remove the first glove so that it turns inside out
d) the phlebotomist should remove the first glove so that it turns inside out
Serum is the LIQUID portion of ________ blood.
a) hemolyzed
b) anticoagulated
c) hemostasis
d) coagulated
d) coagulated
Which of the following is true about OSHA standards and the hepatitis B vaccine?
a) employers must offer the hepatitis B vaccine to their phlebotomist at no cost
b) patients are unable to receive the hepatitis B vaccine unless they have also received the hepatitis E vaccine
c) employers must require that every employee receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 90 days of beginning employment
d) phlebotomists cannot receive the hepatitis B at their place of employment if they have had symptoms in the last 90 days
a) employers must offer the hepatitis B vaccine to their phlebotomist at no cost
When teaching a patient to collect a sputum sample at home, the MOST important direction to include would be which of the following?
a) the patient should be directed to take the sample immediately after eating
b) the patient should be directed to rinse out their mouth before spitting into the container
c) the patient should be directed to spit into the container after taking a deep breath and coughing
d) the patient should be directed to keep the specimen in a room-temperature area, preferably in the dark
c) the patient should be directed to spit into the container after taking a deep breath and coughing
Which of the following examples of questions is most appropriate to use when identifying a patient?
a) “Are you Ms. Smith?”
b) “Is your name Jane Smith?”
c) “Would you please state and spell your full name and provide your date of birth?”
d) “Would you please provide me with your last name and your billing address?”
c) “Would you please state and spell your full name and provide your date of birth?”
Why should a phlebotomist use an amber-colored microcontainer when obtaining a bilirubin level from a newborn?
a) this reduces the risk of penetrating bone during the heel stick
b) bilirubin is photosensitive, and this tube protects the specimen from light exposure
c) this tube prevents the risk of cross-contamination
d) bilirubin needs to be in a microcontainer in order to test properly
b) bilirubin is photosensitive, and this tube protects the specimen from light exposure
Hemolyzation occurs when a phlebotomist:
a) uses an incorrect needle gauge
b) transports a specimen incorrectly
c) follows an incorrect order of draw
d) fails to invert the tube
a) uses an incorrect needle gauge
How many minutes should a phlebotomist rinse with water after receiving a chemical spill to exposed skin?
a) 10 minutes
b) 15 minutes
c) 12 minutes
d) 7 minutes
b) 15 minutes
When the tourniquet is tied too tight, the capillaries in the area may rupture causing which of the following?
a) rashes
b) pain
c) urticaria
d) petechiae
d) petechiae
When explaining an at-home collection of a semen specimen to a patient, the phlebotomist should tell the patient to return within ________ to deliver the specimen to the lab?
a) 24 hours
b) 1 hour
c) 3 hours
d) 12 hours
b) 1 hour
Where should the phlebotomist send a patient’s laboratory results?
a) the phlebotomist should send the results to the patient’s net of kin
b) the phlebotomist should send the results to the patient’s ordering provider
c) the phlebotomist should send the results to the patient directed y through mail
d) the phlebotomist should send the results to the patient’s insurance
b) the phlebotomist should send the results to the patient’s ordering provider
Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist advise a blood donor patient to take to ensure a quality of collection?
a) to stand upright during collection
b) to open and close their hand gently throughout the collection
c) to uncross their legs before the procedure
d) to label the collection tube with their name and mailing address
b) to open and close their hand gently throughout the collection
What is the LIQUID portion of anticoagualted blood?
a) serum
b) plasma
c) hematocrit
d) leukocytes
b) plasma
After setting up for a blood draw, a phlebotomist notices raised, red welts on a patient’s arm. Which of the following describes these welts?
a) edema
b) petechiae
c) psoriasis
d) urticaria
d) urticaria