Phlebotomy Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. When blood cultures and routine evacuated tubes are ordered from the same venipuncture, which specimen is generally collected first?
Fluoride/oxalate tube
Serum tube
EDTA tube
Blood cultures
2. After a used needle accidentally punctures a collector's skin, what is the most appropriate immediate response?
Squeeze the wound forcefully until it bleeds, then finish the collection
Apply antiseptic and wait to see whether irritation develops
Wash the area with soap and water, report the exposure promptly, and follow the facility's exposure protocol
Cover the site and report it only if the source patient has a known infection
3. A patient has an active IV infusion in the right arm, and an appropriate vein is available in the left arm. What is the preferred routine collection approach?
Draw above the IV site in the right arm without pausing the infusion
Collect from the IV tubing after discarding the first few drops
Draw below the IV site because infused fluid cannot travel downward
Use the left arm and follow facility policy
4. Which vein is generally the first choice for routine antecubital venipuncture when it is suitable?
Radial artery
Basilic vein
Cephalic vein
Median cubital vein
5. Several collected tubes are vigorously shaken immediately after the draw. Which specimen problem is this most likely to increase?
Clotting in every serum tube
Hemolysis from damage to red blood cells
Dilution from excess tissue fluid
Hemoconcentration from prolonged tourniquet use
6. Blood flow stops and the vein appears to collapse soon after an evacuated tube is attached. Which adjustment best addresses excessive vacuum?
Apply the tourniquet more tightly to increase venous pressure
Advance the needle farther to enlarge the opening in the vein
Use a smaller-volume tube or another approved method that applies less draw pressure
Ask the patient to pump the fist rapidly while the same tube remains attached
7. Which tube is commonly used for coagulation tests because it contains sodium citrate?
Lavender-top tube
Gray-top tube
Light-blue-top tube
Green-top tube
8. A swelling begins to form around the puncture site while blood is being collected. What should the collector do?
Continue until the current tube is full, then inspect the site
Stop the draw, release the tourniquet, remove the needle, and apply pressure
Tighten the tourniquet and place gauze over the swelling
Reposition the needle repeatedly until blood flow improves
9. Before collecting blood from an alert outpatient, which identification method is most appropriate?
Ask the patient to confirm whether the name you read aloud is correct
Ask the patient to state two identifiers and compare them with the order and identification label
Match the room or chair number with the collection order
Use facial recognition and verify one identifier after the collection
10. To reduce hemoconcentration during routine venipuncture, how long should a tourniquet generally remain applied before blood flow begins?
No longer than about one minute
Up to three minutes if the patient keeps the arm still
Until every ordered tube has been filled
Tourniquet time does not affect specimen quality
11. During venipuncture, a patient says they feel faint and becomes pale. What is the best immediate response?
Ask the patient to take deep breaths while completing the final tube
Have the patient stand and walk to improve circulation
Offer water while leaving the needle secured in place
Stop the collection, remove the needle safely, protect the patient from injury, and obtain assistance
12. After filling a tube that contains an anticoagulant, how should its contents generally be mixed?
Shake it vigorously for several seconds
Use the specified number of gentle inversions
Roll it rapidly between both palms
Leave it upright without mixing until it reaches the laboratory
13. When should routine blood tubes be labeled to minimize identification errors?
Immediately after collection in the patient's presence, following facility policy
At the end of the shift after checking the collection log
At a central workstation after all patients have been collected
Before meeting the patient, using the printed collection order
14. A patient repeatedly pumps their fist while the tourniquet is applied. Why should the collector ask them to stop?
It can alter concentrations of some analytes and affect specimen accuracy
It causes every anticoagulated specimen to clot
It makes the needle bevel rotate within the vein
It prevents the antiseptic from drying properly
15. During routine venipuncture, how is the needle bevel usually oriented as it enters the skin?
Bevel up
Bevel down
Bevel facing laterally
Bevel orientation should change continuously during insertion
16. You cleanse a venipuncture site with an alcohol-based antiseptic. What should you do before inserting the needle?
Blot the site with clean gauze so collection can begin sooner
Palpate the vein again with an ungloved finger
Allow the site to air-dry completely
Fan the site with your hand until it feels cool