Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Basic 5

Question 1

A requisition lists the patient's name as 'John Smith' but the wristband reads 'Jonathan Smith.' What should the phlebotomist do?

Accepted Answer

Stop and clarify the discrepancy with nursing staff before drawing

Answer

Draw the blood since the last name matches

Answer

Draw only the most urgent tests and clarify later

Answer

Ask the patient to verbally confirm and proceed

Question 2

What is the purpose of the 'discard tube' sometimes used with a butterfly needle set?

Accepted Answer

To fill the tubing dead space with blood so additive ratios in subsequent tubes are accurate

Answer

To check the butterfly needle for patency before the real draw

Answer

To collect a specimen for quality control testing

Answer

To flush residual anticoagulant from prior collections

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable patient identifier before phlebotomy?

Accepted Answer

Room number

Answer

Full name

Answer

Date of birth

Answer

Medical record number

Question 4

What is hemolysis in a blood specimen and which analyte is most critically affected?

Accepted Answer

Rupture of red blood cells releasing intracellular contents; most critically affects potassium

Answer

Clotting of the specimen; most affects glucose

Answer

Bacterial contamination of the tube; most affects white cell count

Answer

Lipemia from fats; most affects sodium

Question 5

A physician orders a timed specimen for a 2-hour postprandial glucose. What is the phlebotomist's responsibility regarding timing?

Accepted Answer

Note the collection time on the tube and requisition to reflect exactly 2 hours post-meal

Answer

Draw whenever the patient is available within a 4-hour window

Answer

Draw 30 minutes early to ensure the lab has processing time

Answer

Ask the nurse to set the time, then draw at any point afterward

Question 6

Which organization accredits phlebotomy training programs and certifies phlebotomy technicians in the US?

Accepted Answer

ASCP, NHA, and NCCT among others

Answer

OSHA and the FDA

Answer

The Joint Commission exclusively

Answer

CMS and the CDC jointly

Question 7

When is it acceptable to re-use a needle during phlebotomy?

Accepted Answer

Never — needles are single-use only

Answer

When drawing multiple tubes from the same patient in a single collection

Answer

When the needle has been soaked in isopropyl alcohol for 30 seconds

Answer

When the patient requests it to reduce discomfort

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