NCCT Collection Complications and Corrections 2

Question 1

A patient develops a large, painful swelling at the venipuncture site during blood draw. What is the most likely complication?

Accepted Answer

Hematoma

Answer

Thrombosis

Answer

Phlebitis

Answer

Petechiae

Question 2

What should a phlebotomist do if a patient begins to faint during venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Remove the needle, apply pressure, and lower the patient's head

Answer

Continue the draw quickly to finish before they fully faint

Answer

Slap the patient's face to keep them alert

Answer

Ask the patient to hold their breath

Question 3

Which of the following conditions makes a patient more susceptible to hematoma formation?

Accepted Answer

Anticoagulant therapy

Answer

Dehydration

Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Hypertension

Question 4

A blood specimen appears hemolyzed (pink/red serum). Which of the following most likely caused this?

Accepted Answer

Drawing blood through an IV line

Answer

Using a 21-gauge needle

Answer

Mixing the tube by gentle inversion

Answer

Applying the tourniquet for 30 seconds

Question 5

What is the most common cause of specimen rejection by the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Answer

Incorrect tube type

Answer

Hemolyzed specimen

Answer

Insufficient volume

Question 6

A phlebotomist notices the blood flow stops during venipuncture. What should be tried first?

Accepted Answer

Slightly reposition the needle by rotating or pulling back slightly

Answer

Insert the needle deeper immediately

Answer

Remove the needle and try the other arm

Answer

Apply a second tourniquet above the first