Phlebotomy quizzes- Med Certs
When the phlebotomist asks for assistance from another phlebotomist working in the lab after two unsuccessful blood draw attempts on a patient, what is being practiced? Select one: a. Confidentiality b. Scope of practice c. Standard of care d. Accurate recordkeeping
A phlebotomist is practicing a high standard of care, which is the consensus of medical care on a patient in the same situation, to never perform more than two unsuccessful blood draw attempts. The correct answer is: Standard of care
Which of the following are phlebotomy job skills? Select one: a. Technical knowledge b. Organizational skills c. Interpersonal skills d.All of the above
A phlebotomist's job skills include having technical knowledge, organization skills with attention to detail, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle stress. The correct answer is:All of the above
The Phlebotomy Technician receives an order to collect blood for blood culture and glucose; which tube is drawn first? Select one: a. Lavender b. Red c. Gray d. Yellow
Blood cultures are always drawn first using a yellow topped tube followed by a gray tube for glucose for this order. The correct answer is: Yellow
The larger the needle gauge, the _____________________ the diameter of the needle opening. Select one: a. Smaller b. Larger c. Longer d. Sharper
Rational: A 23-gauge needle has a smaller diameter opening than a 21-gauge needle, thus, the larger the gauge, the smaller the diameter of the needle opening. The correct answer is: Smaller
Which type of additive is contained in a lavender topped tube as an anticoagulant that needs inversion of 8 to 10 times? Select one: a. SPS b. SST c. EDTA d.All of the above
Rational: A lavender topped tube contains an anticoagulant called EDTA and must be inverted 8 to 10 times after obtaining the blood specimen. The correct answer is: EDTA
When a blood culture is being drawn, which of the following antiseptics can be used to clean the site? Select one: a. 70% isopropyl alcohol b. Betadine c. Chlorhexidine gluconate d.Both B and C
Rational: Alcohol cannot be used for blood cultures, so Betadine would be used; however, for patients allergic to Betadine, Chlorhexidine gluconate can also be used. The correct answer is:Both B and C
Tubes with rubber stoppers and plastic tops minimize which of the following? Select one: a. Aerosol spray forming when the stopper is removed b. The need to use a large needle c. Incorrect mixing of blood with additives d.All of the above
Rational: Collection tubes with a rubber stopper and plastic top minimize aerosol spray forming when the stopper is removed by the laboratory technician. The correct answer is: Aerosol spray forming when the stopper is removed
What are most blood collection tubes made of today? Select one: a. Glass b. Metal c. Plastic d. None of the above
Rational: The clear tubes are either plastic or glass, but today, most tubes are shatter-proof plastic. The correct answer is: Plastic
If a blood collection requires the phlebotomist to draw a red tube, a lavender tube, and a yellow tube for blood cultures, which is the correct order of draw? Select one: a. Lavender, red, yellow b. Yellow, lavender, red c. Red, yellow, lavender d. Yellow, red, lavender
Rational: Yellow tubes for blood cultures are always drawn first, followed by red tubes for chemistry tests, followed by lavender for hematology tests. The correct answer is: Yellow, red, lavender
If a phlebotomist is required to complete a heel stick to collect a specimen for bilirubin testing on an infant who is under the Bili-light, which of the following is required? Select one: a. Shielding the blood sample from the light b. Using filter paper to collect the specimen c. A scalp vein is used for venipuncture d. All of the above
Rationale: A bilirubin is light sensitive, so it is necessary to shield the specimen from the Bili-light by turning it off while collecting blood; a heel stick is performed rather than using a scalp vein, and filter paper is not required. The correct answer is: Shielding the blood sample from the light
A fingerstick puncture should be made near the fleshy center of the chosen finger, in the same line as the fingerprint lines. Select one: True False
Rationale: A fingerstick puncture is made near the fleshy center of the chosen finger, perpendicular to the ridges of the fingerprint, meaning across the fingerprint lines. The correct answer is 'False'.
Which is the appropriate maximum depth for a fingerstick puncture? Select one: a. 2.4 mm b. 5 mm c. 2 mm d. 3 mm
Rationale: A fingerstick puncture should never exceed a depth of 3 mm. The correct answer is: 3 mm
Which is the most appropriate finger for a fingerstick? Select one: a. Thumb b. Third finger c. Fourth finger d.Both B and C
Rationale: A fingerstick should be performed on the nondominant hand using the distal. The correct answer is:Both B and C
Which of the following personnel has specialized training and will supervise the laboratory? Select one: a. Laboratory technician b. Pathologist c. Phlebotomist d. Hematologist
Rationale: A pathologist is usually the lab supervisor with specialized training in laboratory analysis of tissues and fluids. The correct answer is: Pathologist
When a phlebotomist does not wear gloves during contact with a patient, which link in the chain of infection does this represent? Select one: a.Reservoir b.Mode of transmission c.Portal of exit d.Susceptible host
Rationale: A phlebotomist not wearing gloves can become contaminated from an infectious patient and be the mode of transmission of the infection to his or herself or to another patient. The correct answer is:Mode of transmission
Why is a specimen for a potassium test not placed in an ice slurry? Select one: a. The specimen is altered by lower temperatures b. The specimen is altered by higher temperatures c. The specimen is placed in an ice slurry d. None of the above
Rationale: A potassium specimen is not placed in an ice slurry because the level is altered by lower temperatures, which would be caused by ice. The correct answer is: The specimen is altered by lower temperatures
Once the tourniquet is placed to determine site selection and cleanse the area, it can be left in place until after completing the blood draw. Select one: True False
Rationale: A tourniquet is left in place no longer than one minute and should be removed after selection, reapplied after the area is cleansed and dried, and then removed after blood begins to flow with the venipuncture procedure to stay within the one-minute timeframe. The correct answer is 'False'.
A vascular access device is common for a patient in the ICU or ER, and collection from this device is only performed by specially trained personnel, sometimes with the assistance of the phlebotomist. Select one: True False
Rationale: A vascular access device is a tube inserted into a vein or artery, and the phlebotomist may assist in this type of collection that is performed only by specially trained personnel with a physician's order. The correct answer is 'True'.
Which is an independent laboratory facility that analyzes specimens sent from other healthcare facilities? Select one: a.Physician office laboratory b.Reference laboratory c. Blood bank d. None of the above Feedback
Rationale: An independent reference, or referral, laboratory analyzes specimens sent from other healthcare facilities or laboratories. The correct answer is:Reference laboratory
If the phlebotomist encounters an inpatient that is not wearing a hospital ID band, what is the most appropriate next step? Select one: a. Inform the nurse to reapply the ID band, and then draw the patient's blood b. Verify name and date of birth with the patient, and then draw the patient's blood c. If the ID band is found in the room, draw the patient's blood d. Draw the patient's blood without the ID band
Rationale: An inpatient's blood is never drawn without wearing an ID band; if this occurs, inform the patient's nurse to identify the patient and reapply the ID band. The correct answer is: Inform the nurse to reapply the ID band, and then draw the patient's blood
What does a STAT blood test order mean for the phlebotomist? Select one: a. Complete the blood test with the patient fasting b. Complete the blood test as time allows c. Complete the blood test within five to six hours d. Complete the blood test immediately
Rationale: An order for a STAT blood test is completed immediately. The correct answer is: Complete the blood test immediately
What life-threatening condition can occur with a severe latex allergy? Select one: a. Contact dermatitis b. Puncture wounds c. Anaphylaxis d. Bloodborne Pathogen exposure
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition in which the airway can swell shut, blood pressure can drop, and the heart rate can increase in response to a severe allergic reaction to latex. The correct answer is: Anaphylaxis
The Phlebotomy Technician uses the requisition to identify the inpatient, finding that the date of birth and name match, but the hospital ID is incorrect; what happens next? Select one: a.Proceed with blood draw b.Do not proceed with blood draw c.Change the hospital ID number on the requisition d.All of the above
Rationale: Any available patient identifiers must match, including name, date of birth, and hospital ID for an inpatient; do not proceed with the blood draw if they do not match and notify the nurse or a supervisor. The correct answer is:Do not proceed with blood draw
Arterial blood gas specimens can be kept at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Select one: True False
Rationale: Arterial blood gases can be kept at room temperature after collection for 15 to 20 minutes; if the specimen is not delivered to the laboratory within that time, it is placed in an ice slurry for up to one hour. The correct answer is 'True'.
Which of the following are reasons for arterial specimen rejection by the laboratory? Select one: a.Using a syringe pretreated with heparin b.Using a needle with a Luer tip c.Using improper labeling d. All of the above
Rationale: Arterial collection requires a syringe pretreated with heparin to prevent coagulation and a needle with a Luer tip to keep air from reaching the specimen; the laboratory will reject the specimen without proper labeling. The correct answer is:Using improper labeling
What is the ratio using 10% bleach to water when mixing a solution to clean up a potentially infectious spill? Select one: a. 5:5 b. 10:1 c. 1:10 d. 2:10
Rationale: Bleach solution is made once a week in a 1:10 ratio, meaning 1 part bleach and 9 parts water, or 10% bleach and 90% water. The correct answer is: 1:10
There is potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens with a needle stick injury. Select one: True False
Rationale: Bloodborne pathogen exposure is a potential hazard when drawing blood with a needle. The correct answer is 'True'.
If a phlebotomist is required to complete a capillary puncture on a patient with a right sided mastectomy, which hand is chosen for the fingerstick? Select one: a.The nondominant hand b.The right hand c.The left hand d.None of the above
Rationale: Capillary puncture is performed on the nondominant hand in most situations; however, if a patient has a mastectomy, the opposite hand is chosen for the puncture, in this case, the left hand. The correct answer is:The left hand
If the only test ordered is coagulation studies, which tube will be used for blood collection? Select one: a. Green b. Gold c. Red d. Light blue
Rationale: Coagulation studies are drawn using a light blue topped tube. The correct answer is: Light blue
When is an ice slurry used? Select one: a. Capillary puncture with heel stick b. Collection of a specimen for potassium testing c. Immediately after drawing arterial blood for ammonia testing d. None of the above
Rationale: Collection of an arterial blood specimen for ammonia testing requires that it sit in an ice slurry immediately following the draw. The correct answer is: Immediately after drawing arterial blood for ammonia testing
Compartment syndrome can occur in patients with coagulation disorders such as hemophilia. Select one: True False
Rationale: Compartment syndrome is bleeding into surrounding tissues that can occur in patients with hemophilia or coagulation disorders. The correct answer is 'True'.
Which is being followed when a patient is only discussed with healthcare personnel directly involved in the patient's care? Select one: a. Confidentiality b. Authorization c. Liability d. Disclosure
Rationale: Confidentiality requires that patient information is not discussed in public and is never discussed with anyone not directly involved in the patient's care. The correct answer is: Confidentiality
Contact with a contaminated surface represents which type of transmission? Select one: a. Airborne b. Indirect contact c. Droplet d. Direct contact
Rationale: Contact transmission of infection can occur from direct contact with a patient's infection or when touching a contaminated surface, which is indirect contact. The correct answer is: Indirect contact
Which section of anatomic and surgical pathology examines specimens for genetic disorders? Select one: a. Histology b. Cytopathology c. Chemistry d. Cytogenetics
Rationale: Cytogenetics is the laboratory section that examines specimens for evidence of genetic diseases. The correct answer is: Cytogenetics
The phlebotomist must collect blood samples according to established procedures and adhere to all safety and infection regulations. Select one: True False
Rationale: Established procedures, as well as safety and infection regulations, require adherence for protection of both the patient and the employee. The correct answer is 'True'
Which of the following may be required of a phlebotomist? Select one: a. Certification b. Licensure c. Both A and B d. None of the above
Rationale: Even though certification is commonly voluntary, some states or regions may require either certification or licensures. The correct answer is: Both A and B
Which test status should be drawn first? Select one: a. Patient having a STAT test b. Patient having a fasting test c. Inpatient with no ID band d. Patient having normal status test
Rationale: Every effort is made to draw STAT tests first. The correct answer is: Patient having a STAT test
Since a caregiver will be in attendance, it is not necessary to check the ID band of a pediatric inpatient. Select one: True False
Rationale: For all inpatients, pediatric or otherwise, the ID band is used as one of the two identifiers, and the pediatric patient must also be wearing the ID band. The correct answer is 'False'.
Upon entering the patient's room, the phlebotomist encounters a very elderly woman who requires a glucose level test; which of the following methods is the best choice to obtain the specimen? Select one: a. Heel stick b. Fingerstick c. Venipuncture d. Any of the above
Rationale: Geriatric patients may have small and fragile veins; and if only a small amount of blood is required, capillary puncture by fingerstick is favored. The correct answer is: Fingerstick
HIPAA is the Hospital Inpatient Protection Administration Act Select one: True False
Rationale: HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requiring the privacy of all patients' protected health information, or PHI. The correct answer is 'False'.
HIPAA is the Hospital Inpatient Protection Administration Act. Select one: True False
Rationale: HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requiring the privacy of all patients' protected health information, or PHI. The correct answer is 'False'.
When performing venipuncture, at what angle should the needle be inserted? Select one: a. 5 degrees b. 15-30 degrees c. 50 degrees d. 30-40 degrees
Rationale: Hold the needle assembly with your dominant hand with the tube inserted up to the line on the adapter. Angle the needle 15 to 30 degrees above the skin. The correct answer is: 15-30 degrees
The microbiology section in the laboratory identifies pathogenic organisms in specimens. Select one: True False
Rationale: Identification of pathogenic organisms in specimens takes place in the microbiology section of the laboratory. The correct answer is 'True'.
Upon entering the patient's room, the physician is present; which of the following is the most appropriate response by the phlebotomist for a STAT blood test? Select one: a. "Hello doctor, can you leave so I can draw this STAT blood test?" b. "I am sorry, but you have to leave so I can draw the patient's blood." c."Excuse me, doctor, I apologize for the interruption; I am here from the lab to draw the patient's STAT blood test." d. Any of the above
Rationale: If a STAT blood test is ordered and the physician is in the room upon arrival, respectfully introduce yourself and explain the reason for the interruption. The correct answer is:"Excuse me, doctor, I apologize for the interruption; I am here from the lab to draw the patient's STAT blood test."
Since access to veins may be difficult for obese patients, a dermal puncture is preferred. Select one: True False
Rationale: If a blood test can be performed on a capillary specimen, a dermal puncture is performed for the obese patient where there may be difficult access to veins. The correct answer is 'True'.
If the phlebotomist is exposed to a chemical spill, how long should the affected area be flushed following exposure? Select one: a. 1 minute b. 10 minutes c. 5 minutes d. 15 minutes
Rationale: If a chemical is spilled on the phlebotomist, the affected area should be flushed with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. The correct answer is: 15 minutes
If a phlebotomist arrives in the patient's room and finds the patient has an IV in the left arm, how should blood be drawn? Select one: a. Use a site just below the IV site b. Use the IV access for the collection c. Use the opposite arm d. Any of the above
Rationale: If a patient has an IV in one arm, the opposite arm should be used as a site for blood collection. The correct answer is: Use the opposite arm
For a patient with a right mastectomy, the right arm would be used for the blood collection site. Select one: True False
Rationale: If a patient has had a mastectomy on the right, drawing blood on this side may cause the patient discomfort, so the opposite side is used as the blood collection site. The correct answer is 'False'.
If a patient is in isolation with airborne precautions for tuberculosis, what PPE must be worn when entering the room? Select one: a.Mask b.Goggles c.Face shield d.N95 Respirator
Rationale: In addition to Standard Precautions including hand hygiene, airborne precautions require the use of a N95 Respirator by people entering the patient's room. The correct answer is:N95 Respirator
Contact precautions only require Standard Precautions, hand hygiene, and gloves. Select one: True False
Rationale: In addition to Standard Precautions including hand hygiene, contact precautions require the use of gloves and a gown by people entering the patient's room. The correct answer is 'False'.
If a patient is in isolation with droplet precautions for pneumonia, what PPE must be worn if there is contact within three feet of the patient? Select one: a. Mask b. N95 Respirator c. Facial Shield d. Goggles
Rationale: In addition to Standard Precautions including hand hygiene, droplet precautions require the use of a mask by people who will be within three feet of the patient. The correct answer is: Mask
What might be seen in an infant with a buildup of bilirubin in the blood? Select one: a.Iatrogenic anemia b.Low blood volume c. Jaundice d.None of the above
Rationale: In infants, the liver may not be developed enough to prevent bilirubin from accumulating in the blood, which causes yellow of the skin, or jaundice. The correct answer is: Jaundice
Which of the following is referring to a healthcare-associated infection? Select one: a. Microorganism b. Bloodborne pathogens c. Bacterial d. Nosocomial
Rationale: Infections contracted by patients during a hospital stay are called healthcare-associated infections or nosocomial infections. The correct answer is: Nosocomial
If a geriatric patient is on anticoagulation therapy, it is important to remember that clotting can take longer, and pressure will need to be placed on the site gently to avoid bruising but for an extended period of time. Select one: True False
Rationale: It is common that many geriatric patients are on anticoagulation therapy, so be aware of the longer time to apply pressure on the site after a blood draw. The correct answer is 'True'.
When should a capillary arterial blood gas be performed instead of an arterial blood gas? Select one: a.When a pH level is ordered b.After specialized training c.In an adult with respiratory failure d.In an infant
Rationale: It is most common in an infant to collect blood gases using heel stick for capillary puncture and taking added precautions to protect the specimen, including the use of a heparinized pipet. The correct answer is:In an infant
Which is an example of sharps? Select one: a. Magnet b. Lancet c. Metallic object d. Latex gloves
Rationale: Items that are used to puncture the skin are sharps, including lancets and needles. The correct answer is: Lancet
If no blood flow is obtained with venipuncture, what is the next step taken by the phlebotomist? Select one: a.Use a new tube b.Retract the needle c.Advance the needle d.All of the above
Rationale: Lack of blood flow with venipuncture can be caused by a defective tube or improper needle position; using a new tube, retracting the needle, or advancing the needle are possible solutions. The correct answer is:All of the above
If, upon entering the patient's room, the patient is sleeping, what is the best course of action for the phlebotomist? Select one: a. Gently wake the patient before drawing blood b. Quietly and quickly draw the patient's blood c. Turn on all the lights and make noise to arouse the patient before drawing blood d. None of the above
Rationale: Never draw blood from a sleeping patient; first gently wake the patient and allow a moment to become oriented before getting consent and drawing the patient's blood. The correct answer is: Gently wake the patient before drawing blood
Which of the following provides information about the chemical, its hazards, its cleanup, and first aid for exposure? Select one: a. Safety Data Sheets b. Pictograms c. Chemical container d. None of the above
Rationale: OSHA requires safety data sheets, or SDS, are provided with each chemical to provide information about the chemical and its hazards, cleanup, and first aid for exposure. The correct answer is: Safety Data Sheets
The most common reason for post-procedure complications is due to poor patient preparation. Select one: True False
Rationale: One of the most significant reasons for post-procedure complications are sampling errors that occur due to improper delivery to the laboratory. The correct answer is 'False'.
If a patient refuses having their blood drawn, what is the next step by the phlebotomist? Select one: a.Draw the patient's blood anyway as requested by the physician b.Have the patient wait and draw the patient's blood after a waiting period c.Do not draw the patient's blood and notify the physician d. All the above
Rationale: Patients always have the right to refuse any medical treatments, including phlebotomy; if this occurs, do not draw the patient's blood and notify the physician. The correct answer is:Do not draw the patient's blood and notify the physician
The trained phlebotomist has employment opportunities in a variety of facilities, including nursing homes, physician office laboratories, and health fairs. Select one: True False
Rationale: Potential employment opportunities for phlebotomists are available in many facilities, including urgent care centers, physician office laboratories, nursing homes, reference laboratories, health fairs, and blood donor services. The correct answer is 'True'.
The composition of capillary blood containing venous and arterial blood will not produce accurate blood culture results. Select one: True False
Rationale: Regardless of the times where capillary blood is preferred and appropriate, there are some tests that just cannot be performed with capillary blood due to its composition, which include blood cultures and most routine coagulation tests. The correct answer is 'True'.
Some lancet safety devices are contact activated, and some require the Phlebotomist to depress a trigger to release the blade, delivering a swift puncture to a predetermined depth. Select one: True False
Rationale: Safety lancets are used to perform capillary puncture, with some being activated upon contact and some requiring pressing of a trigger to deliver the puncture to a predetermined length. The correct answer is 'True'.
What personal protective equipment, or PPE, should be used when obtaining an arterial specimen? Select one: a.Impermeable gown b.Gloves c.Facial mask d.All of the above
Rationale: Since arterial blood is under pressure, the chance of spray from blood is higher with arterial collection, and PPE should include an impermeable gown, gloves, and facial mask. The correct answer is:All of the above
When a heel stick is performed on a patient under one, which is the most preferred surface for the puncture? Select one: a. Big toe b. Plantar medial and lateral surfaces c. Middle toe d. Tibial medial and lateral surfaces
Rationale: Since children under one have too little tissue in the fingers, the plantar surface of the heel is chosen as the most preferred site, using the medial and lateral surfaces for the puncture. The correct answer is: Plantar medial and lateral surfaces
If a geriatric patient is on anticoagulation therapy, it is important to remember that clotting can take longer, and to avoid bruising, gentle pressure will need to be placed on the site for an extended period of time. Select one: True False
Rationale: Since it is common that many geriatric patients are on anticoagulation therapy, be aware of the longer time to apply pressure on the site after a blood draw; gentle pressure is required to avoid bruising. The correct answer is 'True'.
In which situation is capillary puncture the best method to obtain a specimen? Select one: a. All newborns and infants b. Blood cultures c. All adult patients d. Coagulation studies
Rationale: Since newborns and infants have smaller veins and a smaller volume of blood, making venipuncture more difficult and possibly dangerous, capillary puncture is the preferred method to obtain a specimen. The correct answer is: All newborns and infants
An ABG is performed after the site is cleaned with an antiseptic using both alcohol and povidone-iodine. Select one: True False
Rationale: Since the risk of infection is higher with arterial puncture, both alcohol and povidone iodine are used as an antiseptic. The correct answer is 'True'.
Which of the following might be found in the geriatric patient when selecting a collection site? Select one: a.Loose skin b.Less skin elasticity c.Displaced veins d.All of the above
Rationale: Skin changes that can displace veins are common in the aging patient, including less elasticity, loose skin, and loss of muscle tissue. The correct answer is:All of the above
Which of the following refers to infection control with use of barrier protection and work practice controls? Select one: a. Personal Protective Equipment b. Chain of infection c. Standard Precautions d. All of the above
Rationale: Standard precautions refer to infection control with the use of barrier protection and work practice controls per the guidelines set by the CDC. The correct answer is: Standard Precautions
Which is a law that mandates the regulations on all facilities who perform patient testing? Select one: a. CAP b. JC c. CLIA d. CLSI
Rationale: The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act, or CLIA, mandated regulations on all facilities that perform patient testing, beginning in 1988. The correct answer is: CLIA
Which of the following organizations is responsible for the standards for laboratory procedures? Select one: a. CLSI b. CLIA c. CAP d. JC
Rationale: The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, or CLSI, sets standards and guidelines for laboratory procedures. The correct answer is: CLSI
Which organization is a governmental agency responsible for workplace safety? Select one: a. CLIA b. OSHA c. CLSI d. FDA
Rationale: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is responsible for workplace safety to protect workers from harm. The correct answer is: OSHA
Which of the following tests measures the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood? Select one: a. Lactic acid b. Ammonia level c. Arterial blood gases d. Potassium
Rationale: The ability of the lungs to perform gas exchange is determined by measuring the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood by measuring arterial blood gases, or ABGs. The correct answer is: Arterial blood gases
When completing an evacuated tube blood collection, a blood transfer device must be used. Select one: True False
Rationale: The blood transfer device is used with the syringe method to transfer the blood from the barrel of the syringe to the correct collection tube. The correct answer is 'False'.
What section in the laboratory checks blood specimens for clotting factors? Select one: a. Histology b. Urinalysis c. Microbiology d. Coagulation
Rationale: The coagulation section, usually found in hematology, analyzes blood samples for clotting factors. The correct answer is: Coagulation
Which of the following is the correct procedure for disposal of the needle after a blood draw? Select one: a. The needle and the evacuated tube system are disposed of in the biohazard container b. The needle and evacuated tube system are disposed of in the garbage c. The needle is removed and disposed of in the biohazard container d. The needle can be sterilized and used again
Rationale: The evacuated tube system with needle is disposed of in the biohazard container. The correct answer is: The needle and the evacuated tube system are disposed of in the biohazard container
What is being provided when a patient agrees to a procedure after being told about the procedure and risks? Select one: a.Protected health information b.Informed consent c.Scope of practice d.Continuing education
Rationale: The law requires that a patient is informed of intended treatments and related risks in order to provide informed consent before proceeding with the procedure. The correct answer is:Informed consent
Hand hygiene using proper hand washing or an alcohol-based agent is the most effective means of preventing infection. Select one: True False
Rationale: The most effective means of preventing spread of infection and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms is hand hygiene. The correct answer is 'True'.
Which is the most preferred vein in the antecubital space for a blood draw? Select one: a. Median cephalic b. Median basilic c. Median cubital d. Median brachial
Rationale: The most preferred vein for blood draw is the median cubital followed by the median cephalic and then median basilic as second and third choices. The correct answer is: Median cubital
Which of the following tasks may be the responsibility of the phlebotomist in the hospital setting? Select one: a. Collection of blood samples from inpatients b. Proper handling and timely delivery of samples c. Sending specimens to a referral laboratory for testing not performed in the hospital lab d.All of the above
Rationale: The phlebotomist in the hospital setting may have a variety of duties, including collecting blood samples, proper handling of samples, timely delivery of samples, and sending specimens to a referral laboratory for tests not performed in the hospital laboratory. The correct answer is:All of the above
With which of the following hospital services is the phlebotomist most likely to interact? Select one: a. Nursing Correct b. Information c. Fiscal d. Administration
Rationale: The phlebotomist's interaction with the nursing staff providing direct patient care will be most common when obtaining specimens from inpatients. The correct answer is: Nursing
Which is the most common hazard for the phlebotomy technician? Select one: a.Sharps b. Chemical c. Radioactive d.MRI
Rationale: The phlebotomy technician can be exposed to a variety of hazards in the healthcare setting; however, sharps hazards are the most common. The correct answer is:Sharps
For an infant that weighs 3 kg, which represents the preferred total blood that can be drawn in a 24-hour period? Select one: a. 8mL b. 6mL c. 7mL d. 9mL
Rationale: The preferred maximum total blood to be drawn in a 24-hour period for an infant is 3% of total blood volume; use the formula, 3 x 100 = 300 (total blood volume) x 0.03 = 9 mL. The correct answer is: 9mL
If an accidental needle stick does occur, what steps should be taken after flooding the area with water? Select one: a.Wash the area with soap and water or a disinfectant b.Report injury immediately to employer c. Seek medical attention d.All of the above
Rationale: The protocol for an accidental needle stick and exposure to blood includes flooding the area with water followed by washing with soap and water or a disinfectant, immediately reporting the incident to employer, and seeking medical attention. The correct answer is:All of the above
When is the needle safety device activated? Select one: a. As soon as the collection site has been bandaged b. Before removal of the last tube from the evacuated tube system c. Once the tubes are labeled d. Immediately after the needle is removed from the site
Rationale: The safety needle feature is activated immediately after removal from the collection site. The correct answer is: Immediately after the needle is removed from the site
If a phlebotomist determines that the patient has been returning each day for the last week for consecutive blood testing, which of the following should be completed? Select one: a. Syringe method b. Evacuated tube method c. Do not draw the patient's blood d. Have the patient return in a week
Rationale: The timing of tests is determined by the physician, and the phlebotomist should choose the syringe method as best for the patient's fragile veins. The correct answer is: Syringe method
The tourniquet should be released as soon as the blood draw is complete. Select one: True False
Rationale: The tourniquet should be released as soon as blood flow begins into the first tube drawn. The correct answer is 'False'.
The Needle Stick Safety and Prevention Act required employers to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure. Select one: True False
Rationale: The use of safety needle devices was required by employers by the Needle Stick Safety and Prevention Act; however, accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens can still occur. The correct answer is 'False'.
Once the venipuncture site has been determined, it is cleansed with an alcohol pad, and the phlebotomist should blow on the site to dry. Select one: True False
Rationale: The venipuncture site should be allowed to air dry after cleansing with an alcohol pad in a circular fashion from the inside and moving outward. The correct answer is 'False'.
For a patient with difficult veins, which of the following techniques can be used to enhance prominence of the vein? Select one: a. Massage arm or dangle arm downward b. Apply dry heat to the collection site c. Use blood pressure cuff as tourniquet d.All of the above
Rationale: To enhance vein prominence, any of the following may be successful: massage the arm upward from the wrist, have the patient dangle arm downward, apply dry heat to the area of the draw, or use a blood pressure cuff as a tourniquet. The correct answer is:All of the above
How long should bleach remain in contact with a contaminated area after a biohazardous spill? Select one: a.30 to 45 minutes b.It can be wiped dry immediately c.20-30 minutes d.1 hour
Rationale: To ensure complete disinfection, bleach should remain in contact with the contaminated area for 20 to 30 minutes. The correct answer is:20-30 minutes
Which of the following is required to maintain certification or license and demonstrates the phlebotomist is staying current in the field? Select one: a. PHI b. CPT c. CEU d. NHA
Rationale: To maintain a credential or license, continuing education units, or CEUs, are required by the credentialing organization. The correct answer is: CEU
If an infant weighs 4.2 kg, which of the following ranges represents their total blood volume? Select one: a.300-350 mL b.40-60 mL c.100-150 mL d.400-450 mL
Rationale: Total blood volume is calculated by multiplying weight in kilograms by 100; in this case, 4.2 x 100 = 420, falling in the range of 400-450. The correct answer is:400-450 mL
If the patient indicates that they always feel faint when having their blood drawn, what approach should be taken by the phlebotomist? Select one: a.Have the patient lie down b.Have the patient take a seat and support the arm c.Ask a phlebotomist to draw the blood
Rationale: When a patient has a history of feeling faint with a blood draw, have the patient lie down for the blood collection procedure. The correct answer is:Have the patient lie down
Which of the following is the most appropriate to tell a child prior to drawing blood? Select one: a."This won't hurt a bit." b."Don't cry or yell." c."I have to do this, and you have to sit still." d."It will hurt just a little bit."
Rationale: When drawing blood on a pediatric patient, it is important to use a soothing tone of voice with an empathetic manner, never telling the child that it will not hurt but rather being honest and saying it will hurt just a little bit. The correct answer is:"It will hurt just a little bit."
If a physician arrives when the phlebotomist is in the middle of a blood draw on an inpatient, ask respectfully for a few minutes to complete the test. Select one: True False
Rationale: When in the middle of completing a blood draw and a physician arrives in the patient's room, ask for a few minutes to complete the collection. The correct answer is 'True'.
When using filter paper to perform testing for neonatal screen for inborn metabolic disorders, touch the circle to smear the blood and completely fill each circle. Select one: True False
Rationale: When using filter paper to collect a specimen, a drop of blood is applied directly on each circle to completely fill the circle without touching it. The correct answer is 'False'.
A phlebotomist trained to draw blood is personally liable for their own actions. Select one: True False
The personal liability of a phlebotomist is responsibility for their own actions The correct answer is 'True'.
