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

A sharp, radiating, or 'electric-like' pain is a strong indicator of nerve involvement or injury. The standard of care requires the phlebotomist to immediately stop the procedure by withdrawing the needle to prevent further potential damage to the nerve.

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

Lavender-topped tubes contain Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which works by binding to calcium ions to prevent coagulation. It is the preferred anticoagulant for hematology studies because it does an excellent job of preserving the shape and structure of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets for accurate analysis.

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

Venipuncture should never be performed on the arm adjacent to a mastectomy due to the risk of lymphedema and altered test results. Drawing above an IV line is incorrect as the sample will be contaminated with IV fluid. The correct procedure is to draw from a site distal to (below) the IV, ideally after the infusion has been paused by a nurse. Therefore, the left hand is the most appropriate available site.

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

The first drop of blood that appears after a capillary puncture is contaminated with interstitial fluid (tissue fluid) and potentially alcohol residue from cleaning. Wiping it away ensures that the collected specimen is composed of pure capillary blood, leading to more accurate test results.

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

The Microbiology department is responsible for processing specimens to detect the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Blood cultures are specifically designed to grow (culture) these organisms from a blood sample to identify the cause of a systemic infection like sepsis.

(NHI) National Healthcareer Institute Certification Practice Test

(NHI) National Healthcareer Institute Certification Practice Test

NHI Phlebotomy and Lab Procedures Questions and Answers