Phlebotomy practice exam

Which needle has the smallest gauge? A. 23 gauge B. 18 gauge C. 21 gauge D. 16 gauge

A. 23 gauge

Red blood cells are also called: A. Erythrocytes B. Thrombocytes C. Leukocytes D. Phagocytes

A. Erythrocytes

Which of the following tests may be performed from blood collected in capillary tubing? A. complete blood count B. blood culture C. coagulation studies D. strep test

A. complete blood count

Which of the following samples would be best for the determination of blood acidity and blood gases? A. Capillary blood B. Arterial blood C. Venous blood D. Cerebrospinal fluid

B. Arterial blood

CDC is the abbreviation for: A. Center for Disease Connection B. Center for Disease Control and Prevention C. Civic Disease Control D. Civil Damage Center

B. Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Which of the following barrier protections must a phlebotomist use when performing skin puncture or venipuncture? A. Laboratory coat B. Gloves C. Face shield D. Mask

B. Gloves

The function of Neutrophils is: A. to transport oxygen to the tissues B. Phagocytes (engulf bacteria) C. clotting of repairing of blood vessel D. Produce antibodies

B. Phagocytes (engulf bacteria)

If a patient has a syncopal episode during a blood draw, what should the phlebotomist do first? A. use an ammonia inhalant to wake them up B. Remove the needle, and then remove the tourniquet C. Remove the tourniquet, and then remove the needle D. Call for help after they hit the floor

B. Remove the needle, and then remove the tourniquet

Which of the following procedure is usually performed by a nurse or respiratory therapist? A. blood draw for glucose tolerance test B. arterial blood draw C. heel stick on an infant D. spinal tap

B. arterial blood draw

The infection transmitted by an exchange of body fluids with blood is considered: A. air borne B. blood borne C. vector borne D. direct infection

B. blood borne

The most important means of preventing the spread of infection is: A. personal protective equipment B. hand washing C. disinfection D. sterilization

B. hand washing

If a physician suspects drug abuse, which of the following specimens would be collected? A. semen B. urine C. cerebrospinal fluid D. synovial fluid

B. urine

Point of care testing means: A. Test procedure performed ambulatory B. Test performed in an emergency C. Test performed at patients bedside D. Test performed in ambulatory settings

C. Test performed at patients bedside

The phlebotomist identifies a patient in every medical setting by: A. Asking the patient his/her full name B. Checking the patients ID bracelet for medical allergies C. Asking the family members to identify the patient by sight D. Simply looking at the phlebotomy requisition and seeing if they are male or female

A. Asking the patient his/her full name

Which section of the clinical laboratory will perform pregnancy tests on blood specimens? A. Chemistry B. Hematology C. Microbiology/Serology D. Blood bank

A. Chemistry

Which of the following is a right under the patients bill of rights? A. Decline medical treatment B. know the medical status of family members in the hospital C. Refusal to pay for medical treatment D. Escort your specimens to and from the laboratory

A. Decline medical treatment

Which of the following is the most critical mistake a phlebotomist can make? A. Failing to properly identify the patient B. Failing to collect a specimen C. Collecting a times specimen late D. A hematoma

A. Failing to properly identify the patient

The tube of choice for glucose testing is: A. Gray-top tube B. Light-blue top tube C. Red-top tube D. Lavender-top tube

A. Gray-top tube

A patient was rushed to the emergency room because of dehydration due to severe vomiting of 3 days duration. The ER physician orders a test for STAT electrolytes and asks you to draw it. Which of the following tubes would the Phlebotomist use to do the collection? A. Green-top tube B. Light blue-top tube C. Red-top tube D. Gray-top tube

A. Green-top tube

When blood is found in the urine of a patient it is defined as: A. Hematuria B. Phenylketonuria(PKU) C. Proteinuria D. Bacteriuria

A. Hematuria

The additive in a green-top collection tube is: A. Lithium heparin/ Sodium heparin B. Potassium oxalate C. Sodium Citrate D. Ethylenediaminetetraacitic acid

A. Lithium heparin/ Sodium heparin

Fill in the blank... Comprehensive Metabolic ___________ A. Panel B. Diagnosis C. Stat D. Menu

A. Panel

When you spin the blood in a gray top tube, which contains an anticoagulant, the resulting fluid portion is: A. Plasma B. Serum C. Nosocomial D. Dehydration

A. Plasma

Which of the following tubes will yield serum from the specimen collected? A. Red/Gray top tubes B. Lavender top tubes C. Gray top tubes D. Yellow top tubes

A. Red/Gray top tubes

Cyanotic is a condition defined as: A. bluish color due to lack of oxygen in blood B. reddish color due to intoxication C. bluish color due to increase bilirubin in blood D. pinkish color due to increased hemolysis

A. bluish color due to lack of oxygen in blood

A hematoma can be prevented if: A. pressure is placed on the venipuncture site until the bleeding stops B. the needle is removed before the tourniquet is released C. a gauze and adhesive strip is immediately placed with pressure on the site after the needle is removed. D. A butterfly needle is used

A. pressure is placed on the venipuncture site until the bleeding stops

The boundaries for the approved area in performing heel punctures are: A. the medial line extending from the great toe and lateral line extending from the fourth and fifth digit. B. the lateral line extending from the third toe and the medial line extending from the second toe. C. the line extending from the third toe, dividing the plantar surface into medial and lateral aspects. D. the line extending from the third and fourth toe, dividing the plantar surface.

A. the medial line extending from the great toe and lateral line extending from the fourth and fifth digit.

Patient confidentiality is defined as: A. the patients right to preserve his/her information B. the patients right for a better treatment C. the patients right to receive information D. the patients right to view his/her chart

A. the patients right to preserve his/her information

The recommended depth of an infant heel puncture according to the American Society of Pediatrics should not exceed: A. 5.3 mm B. 2.0 mm C. 13 mm D. 24 mm

B. 2.0 mm

Red-top tubes are also called "plain" tubes. Blood collected in these tubes will clot by normal coagulation processes, how long will this process take? A. 5 minutes B. 30-60 minutes C. 4 hours D. 1 day

B. 30-60 minutes

How many tubes are drawn in a three hour glucose tolerance test? A. 3 tubes B. 4 tubes C. 5 tubes D. 6 tubes

B. 4 tubes

How far above the site of draw is the tourniquet placed? A. 8-10 inches B. 4-6 inches C. 3 inches D. 1-2 inches

B. 4-6 inches

How much blood is found in the average adult body? A. 0.5 L B. 5.0-7.0L C. 10.0 L D. 90.0 Gallons

B. 5.0-7.0 L

Informed Consent is defined as: A. consent of the doctor to perform a procedure B. a patient consent of awareness for the procedure performed C. a medical addistant consent to assist in performance D. all of the above

B. A patient consent of awareness for the procedure performed

Latex sensitivity is a type of: A. Biologic hazard B. Allergic reaction C. Physical hazard D. Chemical hazard

B. Allergic reaction

Before a blood donation is made, the phlebotomist must always check the blood donors: A. White blood cell count B. Hematocrit or hemoglobin value C. Blood glucose value D. Urine glucose value

B. Hematocrit or hemoglobin value

Excessive massaging or milking the finger during a skin puncture procedure might cause: A. Increased venous blood flow to the puncture site B. Hemolysis and contamination of the specimen with tissue fluids C. An adequate supply of blood for filling several capillary tubes D. Helpful results in glucose screening tests.

B. Hemolysis and contamination of the specimen with tissue fluids

What step should a phlebotomist take if blood was drawn from the wrong patient? A. Re-label the tubes with the correct patients name and move on. B. Immediately report the incident to the supervisor for corrective action. C. Re-draw the specimen immediately and discard the wrong tubes. D. Throw the tubes away and make sure no one finds out.

B. Immediately report the incident to the supervisor for corrective action.

What is the purpose of warming the site prior to a dermal puncture? A. Eliminates the need to 'milk' the site B. Increases the blood flow C. Provides for additional cleaning of the site D. Eases the pain from the puncture

B. Increases the blood flow

A patient came to the clinic for a low-grade fever of one-month duration. As part of the laboratory work-up, the physician ordered an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The phlebotomist on duty would draw the specimen using which tube? A. Red-top tube B. Lavender-top tube C. Light Blut-top tube D. Green-top tube

B. Lavender-top tube

Blood cultures, also known as C&S testing are taken to determine: A. Hormone levels in the blood B. The presence of microorganisms in the blood C. Lactose intolerance D. Drug dosing

B. The presence of microorganisms in the blood

The additive in the red/gray speckled collection tube also known as gold/SST is: A. Sodium heparin B. Thixotropic gel for serum separation C. Ethelynediaminetetraacetic acid D. No additive

B. Thixotropic gel for serum separation

What is the purpose of the tourniquet in the venipuncture procedure? A. To block arterial blood flow B. To enlarge the veins so they are easier to find and enter C. To anchor the veins and prevent 'rolling' D. To create a barrier between oxygenated blood and the sample collected.

B. To enlarge the veins so they are easier to find and enter

The phlebotomist was asked to collect a specimen from a patient in the oncology department. A patient in this department is most likely being treated for: A. diabetes B. cancer C. vascular disorders D. pregnancy

B. cancer

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

When cleaning a venipuncture site, the phlebotomist should: A. cleanse the area in long bread strokes B. cleanse the area in an outward spiral C. cleanse the largest part of the area and work inward D. cleanse the areas with alcohol and insure the needle is inserted before the area has dried

B. cleanse the area in an outward spiral

The sample of blood from a capillary puncture after an excessive squeezing of the finger will be: A. insufficient B. contaminated with tissue fluid C. infected D. normal/unchanged

B. contaminated with tissue fluid

Edema is defined as: A. excessive water in the body B. excessive water under the skin in the tissue C. reduced water under the skin in the tissue D. tissue mass

B. excessive water under the skin in the tissue

A female patient complains says the following to you "its against my religion to be touched by a male technician". The appropriate response from the male technician is to: A. refuse to perform any procedures without an apology B. get a female technician to perform the tests C. put on an extra pair of gloves and drape the patient to insure no contact D. explain these are medical procedures not religious issues and to relax and let it happen

B. get a female technician to perform the tests

A fomite is defined as: A. animal transmitting defector disease B. inanimate object which transmit microorganisms/disease C. infected donors D. carries or BPP

B. inanimate object which transmit microorganisms/disease

What is the purpose of the accession number? A. it provides the phlebotomist priorities for making rounds in specimen collection B. it provides a unique tracking number for the specimen C. it proved insurance information for billing purposes D. it provides the phlebotomist with the correct order of draw.

B. it provides a unique tracking number for the specimen

Capillaries are defined as: A. vessel coming out of the heart B. microscopic vessels C. vessel going into the heart D. vessel transporting lymph

B. microscopic vessels

Lipemia is a condition of blood describing a condition: A. serum with purple colon B. serum with milky appearance C. lymphatic fluid D. urine with purple red color

B. serum with milky appearance

The additive in a light-blue tube is: A. sodium heparin B. sodium citrate C. sodium fluoride D. sodium polyanethoesulfonate

B. sodium citrate

When making a blood smear, the goal is: A. to smear the slide with blood as thickly as possible B. to get a feathered edge C. to smear the slide with blood as thinly as possible D. To cover the slide completely with blood

B. to get a feathered edge

As new phlebotomist, you are inserting the needle into the patients arm to draw a blood sample when he suddenly jerks. The needly comes out of the vein and pierces your index finger. which of the following is the appropriate reaction? A. scold the patient for jumping B. wash your wound with soapy water as soon as possible and report the injury to your supervisor C. wash your wound with bleach as soon as possible and report the injury to your supervisor D. wash your wound with bleach, but don't report it

B. wash your wound with soapy water as soon as possible and report the injury to your supervisor

When the body has had adequate rest and no food for at least 12 hours, it is said to be in: A. steady state B. Homeostasis C. Basal state D. Hemostasis

C. Basal state

Vascular phase of hemostasis is characterized by which of the following reactions: A. Platelets aggregate at the injured site forming a temporary platelet plug B. The temporary platelet plug is converted to a stable fibrin clot C. Blood vessels constrict in response to injury D. Breakdown and removal of the clot

C. Blood vessels constrict in response to injury

The additive in a pink collection tube used in blood banking is: A. Sodium polyantholesulfonate (SPS) B. Sodium heparin C. Ethylenediaminetetraacitic acid (EDTA) D. Acid citrate dextrose (ACD)

C. Ethylenediaminetetraacitic acid (EDTA)

The phlebotomist was sent to the ward to draw blood for coagulation studies. Which of the following is correct about this particular draw? A. The phlebotomist can use capillary tubes for the blood collection. B. The specimen should be collected in a purple/ lavender top tube C. Fill a light blue tube to the top D. Before drawing the specimen, make sure the patient has fasted for 12 hours

C. Fill a light blue top tube to the top

How long can a tourniquet remain in place during a venipuncture? A. at least three minutes B. For the entire time the venipuncture is performed C. For no longer than one minute D. There is no specified time limit

C. For no longer than one minute

Which of the following can occur when the tourniquet is left on too long? A. Hypertrophy B. Hemolysis C. Hemoconcentration D. Collapsed vein

C. Hemoconcentration

Every spring, Peter Fitzwell suffers from severe allergies. Which of the following would be the picture of his white blood cell (WBC) differential count? A. Increased basophils B. Decreased lymphocytes C. Increased eosinophils D. Decreased monocytes

C. Increased eosinophils

Which of the following tubes is used for Prothrombin Time and Partial Thromboplastin Time? A. Red-top tube B. Green-top tube C. Light blue-top tube D. Yellow-top tube

C. Light blue-top tube

A patient experiencing Hypoglycemia is having which of the following? A. High blood glucose levels B. High cholesterol levels C. Low blood glucose levels D. Low cholesterol levels

C. Low blood glucose levels

Which of the following veins in the arm is most subjected to venipuncture? A. Carotid artery B. Basilic vein C. Median cubital vein D. Cephalic vein

C. Median cubital vein

This complication results from repeated venipuncture of the same vein: A. Petechiae B. Hemolysis C. Phlebitis D. Thrombus

C. Phlebitis

The additive in the gray collection tube is: A. Lithium heparin B. Sodium heparin C. Potassium oxalate D. No additive

C. Potassium oxalate

The proper way to dispose of a needle is to: A. Recap it with the original white lid with your opposite hand and put it in a sharps container. B. Throw it recapped into a biohazard bag. C. Put it into a sharps container, safety capped, after withdrawing it from the patients arm. D. Collect them in a cup for disposal at the end of the day

C. Put it into a sharps container, safety capped, after withdrawing it from the patients arm.

A blood lead level lab test is drawn in a: A. Yellow-top tube B. Green-top tube C. Royal blue-top tube D. Marble-top tube

C. Royal blue-top tube

On three occasions, blood from Richard Gozinya turned out hemolyzed. Mr. Gozinya is perfectly healthy and has no known disease that may explain the hemolyzed sample. Which of the following would be the possible cause? A. The phlebotomist has been using the syringe method with an 18-gauge needle. B. The phlebotomist had been using a needle that is 1.5 inches long C. The phlebotomist had been using a 25-gauge needle D. The phlebotomist did not make any mistakes at all

C. The phlebotomist had been using a 25-gauge needle

All the employees at risk of blood borne pathogen exposure are required by OSHA to: A. Have a medical insurance B. Have a life insurance C. Vaccinate for Hepatits B D. PPE Evaluation

C. Vaccinate for Hepatits B

Post-prandial means: A. fasting B. before a meal C. after a meal D. before bedtime

C. after a meal

A patient has been taking aspirin for arthritis. Which of the following is most likely to be affected by it? A. blood culture collection B. blood culture results C. bleeding time D. glucose time

C. bleeding time

The function of Thrombocytes is: A. to transport oxygen to the tissues B. Phagocytes (engulf bacteria) C. clotting of repairing of blood vessel D. Produce antibodies

C. clotting of repairing of blood vessel

The innermost layer of the blood vessel is called: A. connective tissue B. muscular C. endothelial D. epithelial

C. endothelial

Negligence is defined as: A. failure to treat a patient B. improper treatment of a staff member C. failure to exercise standard care D. improper behavior toward a patient

C. failure to exercise standard care

Microorganisms that cause disease are: A. normal flora B. nonpathogenic C. pathogenic D. hereditary

C. pathogenic

An hour ago a 12 year old girl came in to an outpatient drawing center for a pregnancy test. Now she is back without her parents and wants to know the results of the test, which the phlebotomist overheard someone in the lab say is positive. Which of the following is the correct response? A. tell the girl she is pregnant B. ask the person who performed the test to come out and discuss the test results with the girl C. tell the girl that she should contact her physician for the test results D. tell her you don't know

C. tell the girl that she should contact her physician for the test results

The phlebotomist is called to the emergency department to draw blood for a CBC and a blood alcohol test from a patient involved in an auto accident. The patient asks the phlebotomist what blood tests the physician has ordered on him. The best response is to: A. tell the patient you don't know why he was drinking and driving B. tell the patient the physician only ordered a CBC C. tell the patient the physician ordered a CBC and a blood alcohol level D. tell the patient you're not allowed to reveal that information

C. tell the patient the physician ordered a CBC and a blood alcohol level

The needle should be inserted into the arm with the bevel facing in which direction? A. downwards B. towards either side C. upwards D. it makes no difference which direction the bevel is facing

C. upwards

Which of the following vessels has valves? A. artery B. capillary C. vein D. arteriole

C. vein

The "butterfly" needle is another name for a: A. multi-sample needle B. hypodermic needle C. winged infusion set D. needle safety feature

C. winged infusion set

The phenylketonuria (PKU) test is used to diagnose deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase; the most common clinically encountered inborn error of metabolism. It is performed on: A. a newborns fecal specimen B. Blood drawn from a newborns finger C. Blood drawn from the newborns buttocks D. Blood drawn from a newborns heel

D. Blood drawn from a newborns heel

Every time you come on your shift the sharps container on the phlebotomy tray is overflowing. Which of the following is the appropriate reaction to the situation? A. Pick out and discard the excess needles by hand until the unit can be sealed and replaced B. Throw it in the biohazard waste without sealing it and put a new one on the tray C. Remove the overflowing sharps container from your tray; replace it with an empty one for your shift, then return the overflowing sharps container to the tray for the next shift. D. Carefully remove the overflowing sharps container from the tray and report the safety violation to the supervisor.

D. Carefully remove the overflowing sharps container from the tray and report the safety violation to the supervisor.

Which of the following is the best term for the destruction of red blood cells? A. Hemostasis B. Hemoglobin C. Homeostasis D. Hemolysis

D. Hemolysis

If a patient verbally or physically refuses a venipuncture procedure, the phlebotomist should: A. inform the patient that they will still be responsible to pay for the procedure. B. Have the patient restrained C. Inform the patient that they must leave the facility D. Immediately report the refusal and actions taken to their supervisor.

D. Immediately report the refusal and actions taken to their supervisor.

All of the following information must be on the specimen sample (tube), except: A. Patients name B. Date C. Time of collection D. Medical Diagnosis

D. Medical Diagnosis

Clean Catch midstream urine sample is used for: A. microscopic examination B. Chemistry of urine sample C. Pregnancy testing D. Microbiologic urine testing

D. Microbiologic urine testing

C&S is studied by which of the laboratory sections: A. Chemistry B. Hematology C. Serology D. Microbiology

D. Microbiology

When the tourniquet is tied too tight, the capillaries in the area may rupture causing: A. A rash B. Pain C. Urticaria D. Petechiae

D. Petechiae

Which of the following are also referred to as serum separator tubes (SST)? A. Red-top tubes B. Lavender top tubes C. Light blue top tubes D. Red/Gray top tubes

D. Red/Gray top tubes

Which of the following is correct for ending the venipuncture procedure? A. Remove the needle, apply pressure, apply Disney band-aid B. Remove the tourniquet, remove the needle, and apply pressure. C. Remove the tourniquet, remove the tube, and remove the needle D. Remove the tourniquet, remove the tube, remove the needle, and apply pressure

D. Remove the tourniquet, remove the tube, remove the needle, and apply pressure

What criterion do you use to decide which needle gauge to use for venipuncture? A. Depth of the vein B. Type of test being collected C. Personal preference D. Size and condition of the vein

D. Size and condition of the vein

Which of the following is proper technique in obtaining capillary blood? A. Use the thumb because it has the largest area B. Puncture more than once in order to get a good flow C. Squeeze hard to get the blood flowing quickly D. Wipe off the first drop of blood

D. Wipe off the first drop of blood

Which of the following is the most common complication from the phlebotomy procedure? A. scared patient B. short draw C. hypovolemia D. hematoma

D. hematoma

The most frequently occurring nosocomial infection for laboratory employees is: A. human immunodeficiency virus B. hepatitis A virus C. hepatits C virus D. hepatits B virus

D. hepatits B virus

The most common cause of blood culture contamination is: A. collection of too much blood B. sample came from below the IV site C. the use of a needle and syringe for the collection D. improper skin preparation

D. improper skin preparation

Which of the following is correct regarding plasma? A. it contains clotted blood B. it is obtained from blood collected in red-top tubes C. it is normally bright yellow to orange D. it is the fluid portion of un-clotted blood

D. it is the fluid portion of un-clotted blood

Which of the following is incorrect about the lavender-top tube? A. it contains an anticoagulant which binds to calcium B. It is used to collect a specimen for a complete blood count C. it must be inverted several times immediately after drawing to ensure uniform mixing of blood and anticoagulant D. it is used to collect specimen for coagulation studies

D. it is used to collect specimen for coagulation studies