General Practice 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 Practice flashcards as text
Which needle gauge is most commonly used for routine adult venipuncture?
Answer: 21 gauge
A 21-gauge needle is the standard for adult venipuncture, balancing adequate blood flow with minimal vein trauma.
What does the term 'hemolysis' mean in the context of a blood specimen?
Answer: Rupture of red blood cells releasing hemoglobin
Hemolysis causes falsely elevated potassium and other intracellular analytes, often requiring recollection.
A patient reports feeling faint during a blood draw. What should the phlebotomist do first?
Answer: Remove the needle, have the patient lower their head, and monitor them
Removing the needle and positioning the patient safely (head lowered or lying flat) prevents injury from vasovagal syncope.
What is the correct angle of needle insertion for most routine venipunctures?
Answer: 15–30 degrees
A 15–30 degree angle allows the needle to enter the vein lumen without passing through the posterior wall.
Which specimen type is required for coagulation tests such as PT and aPTT?
Answer: Plasma from a light-blue (sodium citrate) tube
Sodium citrate binds calcium to prevent clotting, and the correct 9:1 blood-to-additive ratio is critical for accurate coagulation results.
Standard Precautions require a phlebotomist to treat every patient's blood as if it is:
Answer: Potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis
Standard Precautions apply to all patients' blood and body fluids to protect healthcare workers from unknown infections.
A phlebotomist accidentally sustains a needlestick injury. What is the FIRST action?
Answer: Immediately wash the wound with soap and water
Washing with soap and water immediately reduces the risk of pathogen transmission and is the recommended first response per CDC guidelines.