Patient Preparation and Identification 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 Patient Preparation and Identification flashcards as text
A patient scheduled for a lipid panel says they ate a small snack 4 hours ago. What should the phlebotomist do?
Answer: Reschedule and instruct the patient to fast for 9–12 hours
A lipid panel requires 9–12 hours of fasting; a 4-hour fast is inadequate and the test should be rescheduled.
When labeling a blood culture bottle at the bedside, which information is MOST critical to include?
Answer: The date and time of collection and patient identifiers
Date, time of collection, and patient identifiers are essential for blood culture bottles to ensure proper result interpretation.
Which position is RECOMMENDED for most routine venipuncture to reduce the risk of patient fainting?
Answer: Sitting upright in a phlebotomy chair with armrest support
A seated position in a phlebotomy chair with armrest support is standard to prevent falls if the patient experiences vasovagal syncope.
A patient reports they take warfarin daily. How does this affect patient preparation for a venipuncture?
Answer: Prolonged pressure (5+ minutes) should be applied to the site after the draw
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prolongs bleeding time, so extended pressure is needed after needle withdrawal.
A pediatric patient is brought in with a parent. The child's wristband has fallen off. Who can verbally confirm the child's identity?
Answer: Either the parent/guardian or nursing staff, and nursing must replace the band
For pediatric patients without a wristband, a parent/guardian or nurse can verbally confirm identity, and a new band must be applied before collection.
What is the PRIMARY reason phlebotomists verify dietary restrictions before collection?
Answer: To prevent pre-analytical errors that alter test results
Pre-analytical variables like fasting status directly impact the accuracy of many analyte measurements.
A phlebotomist enters a room and finds two patients sharing the same room with very similar names. What is the SAFEST approach?
Answer: Confirm ID band and second identifier for each patient independently before any draw
Each patient must be independently verified using their ID band and a second identifier regardless of room sharing or similar names.