AMCA Phlebotomy and Blood Collection 4

Question 1

A patient has small, fragile veins. Which needle gauge is most appropriate for venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

23 gauge

Answer

A 23-gauge needle is smaller and causes less trauma, making it ideal for patients with small or fragile veins.

Question 2

Which condition can cause falsely elevated potassium levels in a blood specimen?

Accepted Answer

Hemolysis

Answer

Hemolysis releases intracellular potassium from red blood cells into the serum, causing falsely elevated potassium results.

Question 3

When performing a capillary puncture on an infant, the preferred site is:

Accepted Answer

The medial or lateral plantar heel surface

Answer

The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel is the recommended capillary puncture site for infants to avoid injury to nerves and bone.

Question 4

Which additive in a blood collection tube inhibits thrombin and is used for coagulation studies?

Accepted Answer

Sodium citrate

Answer

Sodium citrate chelates calcium to inhibit the coagulation cascade and is the required anticoagulant for coagulation (PT/aPTT) testing.

Question 5

A phlebotomist notices petechiae on a patient's arm after releasing the tourniquet. This finding most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Fragile capillaries or a coagulation disorder

Answer

Petechiae are pinpoint hemorrhages that suggest fragile capillaries or an underlying coagulation or platelet disorder.

(AMCA) American Medical Certification Association Practice Test