NHI Phlebotomy and Lab Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which situation requires a phlebotomist to re-identify a patient before specimen collection?
- Only for the first draw of the day
- Every time, regardless of how recently the patient was identified (Correct answer)
- Only when the patient appears confused
- Only when the physician orders a STAT draw
Correct answer: Every time, regardless of how recently the patient was identified
Patient identification must occur every single collection encounter, without exception, to prevent specimen mislabeling errors.
Question 2: A hemolyzed specimen will most likely cause a falsely ELEVATED result for which analyte?
- Sodium
- Potassium (Correct answer)
- Glucose
- Creatinine
Correct answer: Potassium
Red blood cells contain high concentrations of potassium; hemolysis releases intracellular potassium, falsely elevating serum potassium values.
Question 3: What does the term 'antecubital fossa' refer to in phlebotomy?
- The inner surface of the wrist
- The area in the bend of the elbow where veins are accessed (Correct answer)
- The dorsal surface of the hand
- The area behind the knee
Correct answer: The area in the bend of the elbow where veins are accessed
The antecubital fossa is the triangular depression anterior to the elbow joint, the primary site for routine venipuncture.
Question 4: What is the proper technique for mixing an anticoagulated tube after collection?
- Shake vigorously for 10 seconds
- Invert gently 8–10 times (Correct answer)
- Centrifuge immediately without mixing
- Tap the bottom of the tube on a hard surface
Correct answer: Invert gently 8–10 times
Gentle inversion 8–10 times ensures thorough mixing of blood with the anticoagulant without causing hemolysis.
Question 5: Which needle gauge would deliver the FASTEST blood flow during venipuncture?
- 23 gauge
- 21 gauge (Correct answer)
- 25 gauge
- 27 gauge
Correct answer: 21 gauge
Lower gauge numbers indicate wider bore needles; a 21-gauge needle allows faster flow than 23, 25, or 27 gauge needles.
Question 6: A timed specimen is ordered for cortisol at 8:00 AM. The phlebotomist collects it at 8:45 AM. What should happen?
- Process and report normally with no notation
- Document the actual collection time and notify the ordering provider (Correct answer)
- Discard the specimen and reschedule for the next day
- Collect a second specimen immediately to compensate
Correct answer: Document the actual collection time and notify the ordering provider
The actual collection time must be documented and the clinician notified, as the delay may affect the clinical interpretation of cortisol results.
Question 7: Which PPE element is ALWAYS required when performing venipuncture?
- Face shield
- Sterile gown
- Gloves (Correct answer)
- N95 respirator
Correct answer: Gloves
Gloves are mandatory for all venipuncture procedures to protect against bloodborne pathogen exposure under Standard Precautions.
NHI Phlebotomy and Lab Procedures 4
Which situation requires a phlebotomist to re-identify a patient before specimen collection?