CSC Patient Assessment & Clinical Evaluation 2

Question 1

A patient states they have a latex allergy before venipuncture. What is the collector's FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Switch to latex-free gloves and check all supplies for latex

Answer

All latex-containing supplies must be replaced with latex-free alternatives to prevent an allergic reaction.

Question 2

Which finding during patient assessment would indicate the highest risk for prolonged bleeding after venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Patient is currently taking warfarin therapy

Answer

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits clotting, significantly prolonging bleeding time after puncture.

Question 3

When assessing a patient for a fasting specimen, the collector should verify the fast duration is at least:

Accepted Answer

8–12 hours

Answer

Most fasting laboratory tests require 8–12 hours without food or caloric beverages to ensure accurate baseline results.

Question 4

A patient reports they took aspirin two hours before their appointment for a platelet function test. What should the collector do?

Accepted Answer

Reschedule the collection and notify the ordering provider

Answer

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet function for the platelet's lifespan, so platelet function tests must be rescheduled and the provider notified.

Question 5

During patient assessment, you notice the patient has edematous (swollen) arms bilaterally. What is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Avoid the edematous area; attempt a site below or above the edema

Answer

Edema dilutes the interstitial fluid and can cause inaccurate results; collecting from a non-edematous site or avoiding the edematous area is preferred.

(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test

(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test

CSC Patient Assessment & Clinical Evaluation 2