NRCMA Laboratory Procedures 2

Question 1

The order of draw for venipuncture using evacuated tubes begins with:

Accepted Answer

Blood culture bottles

Answer

Blood culture bottles are drawn first to prevent contamination from tube additives. CLSI order: blood cultures → light blue → red/gold → green → lavender → gray.

Question 2

When performing a finger-stick capillary blood collection, the best site on an adult is:

Accepted Answer

The lateral tip of the ring or middle finger

Answer

The lateral side of the ring or middle finger has adequate capillary blood flow, less nerve density, and avoids the sensitive fingertip center, minimizing discomfort.

Question 3

A point-of-care (POC) INR test would be ordered to monitor therapy with which medication?

Accepted Answer

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Answer

INR (International Normalized Ratio) measures standardized prothrombin time and is used to monitor warfarin anticoagulation therapy.

Question 4

The Gram stain procedure classifies bacteria based on:

Accepted Answer

Cell wall composition — gram-positive retain crystal violet; gram-negative do not

Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have thick peptidoglycan walls that retain crystal violet and appear purple. Gram-negative bacteria have thin peptidoglycan and appear pink/red after the safranin counterstain.

Question 5

Which condition is indicated by a urine specific gravity of 1.035?

Accepted Answer

Concentrated urine / possible dehydration

Answer

Normal urine specific gravity is 1.005–1.030. A value of 1.035 indicates highly concentrated urine, suggesting dehydration or inadequate fluid intake.

(NRCMA) Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

(NRCMA) Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NRCMA Laboratory Procedures 2