RMA Venipuncture and Phlebotomy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vein is the preferred first choice for routine venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?
- Median cubital vein (Correct answer)
- Cephalic vein
- Basilic vein
- Dorsal hand vein
Correct answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein is preferred because it is large, well-anchored, and away from major nerves and arteries.
Question 2: What is the maximum recommended time a tourniquet should remain in place before drawing blood?
- 1 minute (Correct answer)
- 3 minutes
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes
Correct answer: 1 minute
A tourniquet left on longer than one minute can cause hemoconcentration and inaccurate results.
Question 3: At what angle should the needle be inserted during a routine venipuncture?
- 15 to 30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 to 60 degrees
- 75 to 90 degrees
- 5 to 10 degrees
Correct answer: 15 to 30 degrees
A 15 to 30 degree angle allows smooth entry into the vein without going through it.
Question 4: Which additive is found in a lavender (purple) top tube?
- EDTA (Correct answer)
- Sodium citrate
- Sodium heparin
- Sodium fluoride
Correct answer: EDTA
Lavender top tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant used primarily for hematology tests like the CBC.
Question 5: What should a phlebotomist do if a patient reports feeling faint during a draw?
- Stop the draw and lower the patient's head (Correct answer)
- Continue quickly to finish the draw
- Apply a second tourniquet
- Have the patient stand up
Correct answer: Stop the draw and lower the patient's head
Stopping the draw and protecting the patient from a fall is the priority when syncope is suspected.
Question 6: How many times should an EDTA tube be gently inverted after collection?
- 8 to 10 times (Correct answer)
- 1 to 2 times
- 20 to 25 times
- Inversion is not needed
Correct answer: 8 to 10 times
EDTA tubes should be inverted 8 to 10 times to properly mix the anticoagulant and prevent clotting.
Question 7: What is the proper order of draw for the first tube collected in a routine multi-tube draw?
- Blood culture (sterile) (Correct answer)
- Lavender EDTA tube
- Green heparin tube
- Gray fluoride tube
Correct answer: Blood culture (sterile)
Blood culture or sterile tubes are drawn first to minimize contamination risk.
RMA Venipuncture and Phlebotomy 2
Which vein is the preferred first choice for routine venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?