PCT Lab Procedures 5

Question 1

A patient's potassium result comes back critically elevated at 6.8 mEq/L. What is the PCT's first action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the nurse or supervising clinician

Answer

A critically elevated potassium is a life-threatening value requiring immediate clinician notification per critical value protocols.

Question 2

Which tube is used when the laboratory requires serum for a chemistry test?

Accepted Answer

Red or gold (SST) tube

Answer

Red or gold serum separator tubes allow blood to clot; after centrifugation, serum is separated for chemistry testing.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a buffy coat in a centrifuged blood specimen?

Accepted Answer

It is the layer of white blood cells and platelets between red cells and plasma

Answer

The buffy coat is the thin white layer between packed red cells and plasma that contains leukocytes and platelets.

Question 4

During a venipuncture, a hematoma begins to form at the puncture site. The PCT should:

Accepted Answer

Remove the needle immediately and apply firm pressure

Answer

A hematoma indicates blood leaking into surrounding tissue; the needle must be removed and firm pressure applied to stop bleeding.

Question 5

Which urine color finding should be immediately reported to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Red or cola-colored urine

Answer

Red or cola-colored urine can indicate hematuria or hemoglobinuria, both of which may signal serious medical conditions.

PCT Practice Test