PCT Lab Procedures 4

Question 1

A PCT is about to perform venipuncture on a patient who has an IV infusing in the left arm. What is the best action?

Accepted Answer

Draw from the right arm

Answer

Drawing from the arm opposite the IV site prevents IV fluid from diluting the specimen and producing inaccurate results.

Question 2

Which color tube top is used for a complete blood count (CBC)?

Accepted Answer

Lavender (purple)

Answer

Lavender/purple tubes contain EDTA, which prevents clotting and preserves blood cells for hematological analysis.

Question 3

A rapid strep test is negative but the patient's symptoms strongly suggest strep throat. What should the PCT do?

Accepted Answer

Inform the nurse, as a throat culture may be needed for confirmation

Answer

Rapid strep tests have a false-negative rate; a negative result with high clinical suspicion warrants a confirmatory throat culture.

Question 4

When labeling a blood specimen tube, the PCT should:

Accepted Answer

Label tubes at the bedside immediately after collection

Answer

Labeling at the bedside immediately after collection prevents specimen mix-ups, a critical patient safety requirement.

Question 5

A urine dipstick test shows positive nitrites. This finding most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Bacterial infection in the urinary tract

Answer

Nitrites are produced when gram-negative bacteria convert urinary nitrates, making a positive result a strong indicator of UTI.

PCT Practice Test