CMA Clinical Procedures and Specimen Handling 5

Question 1

When performing a subcutaneous injection, the correct angle of insertion is:

Accepted Answer

45-90 degrees depending on tissue depth

Answer

Subcutaneous injections are given at 45 degrees for thin patients and 90 degrees for those with adequate subcutaneous tissue.

Question 2

A blood specimen labeled 'STAT' should be processed within:

Accepted Answer

30-60 minutes

Answer

STAT specimens indicate urgent clinical need and should be processed and resulted within 30-60 minutes of collection.

Question 3

Which action should the medical assistant take if a venipuncture needle accidentally slips out of the vein mid-draw?

Accepted Answer

Withdraw the needle, apply pressure, and attempt a new puncture at a different site

Answer

Redirecting or probing with a needle already in the skin causes tissue damage and hematoma; a fresh puncture at a new site is safer.

Question 4

The chain of custody for a urine drug screen specimen is maintained by:

Accepted Answer

Documenting every person who handles the specimen with signatures and timestamps

Answer

Chain of custody requires documented signatures and timestamps for every person who handles the specimen to ensure legal admissibility.

Question 5

Which color-coded sharps container should be used for disposal of used insulin syringes in the clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

Red or orange puncture-resistant sharps container

Answer

All contaminated needles and syringes must be placed immediately into red or orange puncture-resistant sharps containers.

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