NPA Clinical Assessment Methods 4

Question 1

Before a venipuncture, a patient says they feel lightheaded and are pale and sweaty. What is the best action?

Accepted Answer

Have the patient lie down or lower their head, and delay the draw

Answer

These are signs that the patient may faint (syncope), so put them in a safe position and wait until they recover.

Question 2

When choosing a vein by touch, what should a good vein feel like?

Accepted Answer

Bouncy and elastic

Answer

A healthy vein feels soft, bouncy, and springy, while a hard, cord-like vein is sclerosed and should be avoided.

Question 3

A phlebotomist feels a pulse while checking a possible venipuncture site. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The structure is an artery and should be avoided

Answer

Veins do not pulse, so a pulse means an artery is underneath and the site should be avoided.

Question 4

What is the most important assessment step to do before every blood collection?

Accepted Answer

Positively identifying the patient with at least two identifiers

Answer

Positive patient identification using at least two identifiers prevents mislabeled samples and samples drawn from the wrong patient.

Question 5

How should a phlebotomist confirm that a patient has followed fasting instructions?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient when they last ate or drank anything other than water

Answer

Asking the patient directly confirms the fast, and any problems with the fast should be written on the requisition or label.

NPA - National Phlebotomy Association Certification Practice Test