Phlebotomy Test Pediatric Blood Collection

Question 1

What is the maximum recommended blood volume to collect from a neonate weighing 3 kg in a single day?

Accepted Answer

5–10 mL

Answer

30 mL

Answer

15 mL

Answer

1–3 mL

Question 2

Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture in infants and toddlers under 2 years of age?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal hand veins or scalp veins

Answer

Median cubital vein

Answer

Antecubital fossa veins are not used in infants

Answer

External jugular vein

Question 3

A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from a 5-year-old child. Which communication strategy is MOST effective?

Accepted Answer

Use age-appropriate language, explain what they will feel, and allow them control (e.g., which arm)

Answer

Tell the child exactly what will hurt and for how long in clinical terms

Answer

Do not explain anything to avoid increasing anxiety

Answer

Ask the parent to leave so the child focuses on the phlebotomist

Question 4

Which needle gauge is most appropriate for venipuncture in a pediatric patient to minimize pain and hemolysis?

Accepted Answer

23–25 gauge

Answer

18-gauge

Answer

21-gauge

Answer

16-gauge

Question 5

A newborn requires a blood glucose test and bilirubin level. Which collection method is preferred?

Accepted Answer

Heelstick into micro-collection tubes for both tests

Answer

Venipuncture from the antecubital fossa for both tests

Answer

Heelstick for glucose, venipuncture for bilirubin

Answer

Arterial puncture to obtain adequate volume for both tests

Question 6

What special consideration is required when collecting blood from a pediatric patient's hand vein using a butterfly needle?

Accepted Answer

A child-sized tourniquet or alternative (blood pressure cuff) should be used and the hand secured

Answer

The tourniquet should be applied for at least 3 minutes

Answer

No tourniquet is needed for hand vein collection

Answer

Alcohol prep is not required for pediatric patients

Question 7

For a school-age child (7–10 years), which distraction technique during phlebotomy is MOST evidence-supported for reducing pain perception?

Accepted Answer

Active distraction (video games, counting, engaging conversation)

Answer

Telling the child to be brave and not cry

Answer

Restraining the child to minimize movement and complete the draw quickly

Answer

Giving candy or food reward before the procedure

Question 8

Which laboratory test in a newborn is MOST likely to yield unreliable results from a heelstick specimen compared to a venous sample?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal blood culture

Answer

Total bilirubin

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Answer

Blood glucose