Association of Phlebotomy Technicians Flashcards
7 cards from real Phlebotomy Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Association of Phlebotomy Technicians flashcards as text
Which patient right must a phlebotomist respect before performing venipuncture on a competent adult?
Answer: The right to give informed consent and refuse the procedure
Competent adults must provide informed consent and retain the right to refuse any procedure, which phlebotomists are legally and ethically bound to respect.
What is the correct action when a needle accidentally punctures a phlebotomist's skin after drawing blood?
Answer: Report the needlestick immediately, wash the wound, and follow the employer's exposure protocol
Needlestick injuries require immediate washing, reporting to occupational health, and following the employer's post-exposure prophylaxis protocol.
A lavender-top (EDTA) tube is primarily used for which type of test?
Answer: Complete blood count (CBC) and blood films
EDTA in lavender-top tubes chelates calcium to prevent clotting, preserving cell morphology for CBC and blood film analysis.
Why is it important to release the tourniquet before withdrawing the needle after venipuncture?
Answer: To prevent a hematoma and reduce bleeding when the needle is removed
Releasing the tourniquet before needle removal reduces venous pressure, minimizing the risk of hematoma formation at the puncture site.
Which of the following is a sign that a venipuncture needle has been inserted too deeply?
Answer: No blood return despite correct technique, and the patient feels sharp deep pain
Inserting the needle too deeply can pierce the posterior vein wall, causing no blood return and sharp pain as tissue beyond the vein is punctured.
What is 'venipuncture site rotation' most important for in patients requiring frequent blood draws?
Answer: Preventing vein damage, scarring, and thrombosis from repeated puncture at the same site
Repeatedly puncturing the same site causes vein wall trauma, scarring, and eventual thrombosis, so rotating sites preserves vascular access.
When a patient refuses to confirm their identity before blood collection, what should the phlebotomist do?
Answer: Do not collect the sample and document the refusal; escalate to the nurse in charge
Without confirmed patient identity, the sample cannot be safely collected; the refusal must be documented and escalated to prevent a misidentification event.