Free CCMA Phlebotomy Procedures Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A medical assistant is drawing blood for a CBC, a PT, and a chemistry panel. What is the correct order of draw?
- Lavender, Light Blue, Red
- Light Blue, Red, Lavender (Correct answer)
- Red, Lavender, Light Blue
- Light Blue, Lavender, Red
Correct answer: Light Blue, Red, Lavender
The correct order of draw is critical to prevent cross-contamination of additives between tubes. The light blue top (PT) must be drawn first to ensure the coagulation results are accurate, followed by the red/gold top for the chemistry panel, and finally the lavender top (CBC).
Question 2: Which of the following is the most critical step in performing a venipuncture?
- Selecting the appropriate needle gauge
- Cleansing the site with alcohol
- Properly identifying the patient (Correct answer)
- Applying the tourniquet correctly
Correct answer: Properly identifying the patient
While all steps are important for safety and accuracy, positively identifying the patient is the most crucial step. A failure in patient identification can lead to catastrophic errors in diagnosis and treatment.
Question 3: What is the additive in the lavender-topped tube?
- Sodium Citrate
- Heparin
- Potassium Oxalate
- EDTA (Correct answer)
Correct answer: EDTA
The lavender-topped tube contains the anticoagulant Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA works by binding to calcium in the blood, which prevents clotting and preserves the morphology of blood cells for hematology tests like a CBC.
Question 4: A patient develops a large hematoma during a venipuncture. What is the first action the medical assistant should take?
- Apply a warm compress to the site
- Finish filling the tube quickly
- Release the tourniquet and remove the needle (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to lower their arm
Correct answer: Release the tourniquet and remove the needle
If a hematoma begins to form, the first priority is to stop the blood flow into the surrounding tissue. This is achieved by immediately releasing the tourniquet and withdrawing the needle, then applying firm pressure to the site.
Question 5: Which is the most common and appropriate needle gauge for a routine venipuncture on an adult with healthy veins?
- 18 gauge
- 21 gauge (Correct answer)
- 25 gauge
- 27 gauge
Correct answer: 21 gauge
A 21-gauge needle is the standard for routine venipuncture in adults as it allows for good blood flow without causing excessive trauma to the vein. A 23-gauge is smaller and often used for smaller or more fragile veins, while an 18-gauge is larger and typically used for blood donation.
Question 6: When performing a capillary puncture on an adult's finger, the medical assistant should puncture which part of the finger?
- The tip of the finger, directly over the nail bed
- The base of the finger, near the palm
- Slightly off-center on the fleshy pad of the fingertip (Correct answer)
- Directly in the center of the fingerprint
Correct answer: Slightly off-center on the fleshy pad of the fingertip
The puncture should be made on the fleshy portion of the finger, slightly to the side of the center. This area is rich in capillaries and avoids the bone, which can be painful and lead to complications like osteomyelitis.
Free CCMA Phlebotomy Procedures Questions and Answers 1
A medical assistant is drawing blood for a CBC, a PT, and a chemistry panel.
What is the correct order of draw?