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Phlebotomy Flashcards

7 cards from real CMLA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Phlebotomy flashcards as text

  1. What is the purpose of inverting evacuated tubes after collection?

    Answer: To mix the blood with the additive and prevent clotting or ensure proper preservation

    Gentle inversion mixes blood with anticoagulants or clot activators to ensure proper specimen processing.

  2. A patient on anticoagulant therapy has veins that are difficult to locate. Which technique is most appropriate?

    Answer: Use a butterfly needle and select the best visible vein, applying gentle pressure after collection

    Butterfly needles offer more control in difficult draws, and gentle post-draw pressure is critical because anticoagulated patients bleed longer.

  3. Blood cultures should ideally be collected:

    Answer: Before antibiotic therapy begins, using strict aseptic technique

    Collecting blood cultures before antibiotics maximizes the chance of isolating the causative organism before antimicrobial agents reduce bacterial counts.

  4. Which condition is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the arm during or after venipuncture and may result from hyperventilation?

    Answer: Tetany

    Hyperventilation causes hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis, lowering ionized calcium and triggering tetanic muscle spasms.

  5. For a timed specimen such as a fasting glucose, what information is most critical to document?

    Answer: The exact time of collection and patient's last food/drink intake

    Timed specimens require accurate collection time and fasting duration to ensure clinically valid interpretation of results.

  6. What is the primary reason for using a winged infusion set (butterfly) in pediatric or geriatric patients?

    Answer: Greater control and flexibility for small or fragile veins

    Butterfly needles allow the phlebotomist to stabilize the needle more precisely in small or delicate veins, reducing the risk of through-puncture.

  7. A specimen labeled 'STAT' requires:

    Answer: Immediate processing and reporting to the ordering provider

    STAT orders indicate urgent clinical need and must be processed immediately to provide timely results for patient care decisions.