NHI Phlebotomy and Lab Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A phlebotomist is performing a venipuncture when the patient suddenly complains of a sharp, radiating, 'electric-like' pain down their arm.
Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately withdraw the needle and apply pressure.

Answer

Reassure the patient and continue the draw slowly.

Answer

Adjust the angle of the needle to find a less painful position.

Answer

Finish the draw as quickly as possible to minimize discomfort.

Question 2

Which of the following anticoagulants is contained in a lavender-topped tube and is primarily used for hematology tests like a Complete Blood Count (CBC) because it effectively preserves the morphology of blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

Answer

Sodium Citrate

Answer

Heparin

Answer

Sodium Fluoride

Question 3

A phlebotomist is asked to draw blood from a patient with an active IV infusion in the left arm and a history of a mastectomy on the right side. Which of the following is the most appropriate venipuncture site?

Accepted Answer

A vein in the left hand, distal to the IV site.

Answer

The right arm, as it has been several years since the mastectomy.

Answer

The left arm, at a site above the IV cannula.

Answer

The basilic vein of the right arm to avoid the primary surgical area.

Question 4

During a capillary puncture on an adult's finger, which of the following actions is a critical step in ensuring the quality of the specimen?

Accepted Answer

Wiping away the first drop of blood with sterile gauze.

Answer

Making the puncture on the very tip of the finger.

Answer

Squeezing the finger vigorously to obtain the sample quickly.

Answer

Puncturing parallel to the grooves of the fingerprint.

Question 5

A physician orders a blood culture to investigate a patient for sepsis. The collected specimen, which uses special media bottles, should be delivered to which laboratory department for analysis?

Accepted Answer

Microbiology

Answer

Hematology

Answer

Chemistry

Answer

Coagulation

Question 6

Which of the following procedural errors is a common cause of hemolysis, the rupture of red blood cells in a blood specimen?

Accepted Answer

Using a needle with a gauge that is too small for the venipuncture.

Answer

Inverting a tube with an additive 8-10 times.

Answer

Allowing the venipuncture site to air-dry completely after cleaning.

Answer

Drawing tubes in the correct order.

A phlebotomist is performing a venipuncture when the patient suddenly complains of a sharp, radiating, 'electric-like' pain down their arm.Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action?

A phlebotomist is performing a venipuncture when the patient suddenly complains of a sharp, radiating, 'electric-like' pain down their arm.
Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action?