Phlebotomy Test Phlebotomy Exam Simulation 2

Question 1

A phlebotomist selects a vein in the antecubital fossa but cannot see it—only palpate it. The correct approach is to:

Accepted Answer

Palpate carefully to confirm vein location, depth, and direction, then proceed with the draw

Answer

Palpation is an essential venipuncture skill; a vein that is palpable but not visible can be safely accessed by an experienced phlebotomist using tactile guidance.

Question 2

The antimicrobial paint used to clean the skin before blood culture collection is typically:

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.5% or higher) with 70% alcohol, or povidone-iodine followed by alcohol

Answer

Blood cultures require vigorous skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine-alcohol or povidone-iodine to reduce skin flora contamination, which would produce false-positive blood culture results.

Question 3

A patient receiving chemotherapy has a platelet count of 20,000/μL (normal 150,000–400,000/μL). After routine venipuncture, the phlebotomist should apply pressure for approximately how long?

Accepted Answer

At least 5–10 minutes or until hemostasis is confirmed

Answer

Severe thrombocytopenia (20,000/μL) dramatically impairs primary hemostasis; prolonged manual pressure of 5–10 minutes is essential to prevent hematoma formation.

Question 4

Which anatomical structure runs parallel and medial to the median cubital vein and must be avoided during antecubital venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Brachial artery

Answer

The brachial artery runs medial to the antecubital fossa; accidental arterial puncture causes pulsatile bright red blood, hematoma, and pain—it must be avoided.

Question 5

When a phlebotomist encounters a hematoma developing during venipuncture, the correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Remove the needle immediately, apply firm pressure, and document the complication

Answer

When a hematoma begins forming, immediately remove the needle, apply firm pressure, and document—continuing to draw through a hematoma worsens tissue damage and produces a contaminated specimen.

Phlebotomy Practice Test

Phlebotomy Practice Test

Phlebotomy Test Phlebotomy Exam Simulation 2