General Flashcards
7 cards from real Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 General flashcards as text
Which additive in a light blue (sodium citrate) tube prevents clotting by binding calcium?
Answer: Sodium citrate
Sodium citrate chelates calcium ions, which are necessary for the clotting cascade, thereby preventing coagulation.
What is the maximum recommended angle for needle insertion during a routine venipuncture?
Answer: 30 degrees
A 15–30 degree angle is recommended for venipuncture; 30 degrees is the maximum to avoid passing through the vein.
A patient's arm shows a large bruise at a recent draw site. This condition is called:
Answer: Hematoma
A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside blood vessels caused by leakage during or after venipuncture.
Which tube should be collected FIRST when drawing only a coagulation specimen?
Answer: A discard tube
A discard tube is drawn first to clear the needle of tissue factor and air that could activate coagulation before filling the citrate tube.
Which vein is considered the FIRST choice for routine adult venipuncture?
Answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein is preferred because it is large, well-anchored, and least likely to roll or bruise.
If a patient faints during venipuncture, the phlebotomist should FIRST:
Answer: Remove the needle and ensure patient safety
Patient safety is the priority; remove the needle, apply pressure, lower the patient's head, and call for assistance.
The 'order of draw' exists primarily to prevent:
Answer: Cross-contamination of tube additives
Following the correct order of draw prevents additives from one tube from contaminating the next tube and altering test results.