Question 1

Which vein is the phlebotomist's first choice for venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

A)   Cephalic
B)   Basilic
C)   Median cubital C

Question 2

Which of the following should not be a cause of inability to obtain blood? The:

Accepted Answer

A)   needle has penetrated all the way through the vein
B)   needle is centered in the lumen of the vein
C)   needle is only partially inserted into the vein
D)   tube has lost its vacuum B

Question 3

What happens if you put pressure on the gauze while the needle is being removed?

Accepted Answer

A)   It is painful
B)   The needle may slit the skin
C)   May accidentally stick yourself
D)   All of the above D

Question 4

What is the recommended way to clean a venipuncture site?

Accepted Answer

A)   Any way; just scrub as vigorously as you can
B)   Wipe in ever-increasing concentric circles starting in the center
C)   Wipe using concentric circles from the outside in
D)   All of the above

Question 5

Bracing the hand holding the needle assembly against the patient's arm:

Accepted Answer

A)   increases patient discomfort
B)   decreases the chance of hemolysis
C)   prevents excess needle movement
D)   causes the tubes to fill more quickly

Question 6

What is the best angle to use for needle insertion?

Accepted Answer

A)   A lower angle is better
B)   A higher angle is better
C)   Angle does not matter

Question 7

During a venipuncture procedure,a tourniquet should not be left on a patient longer than:

Accepted Answer

A)   10 seconds
B)   1 minute
C)   3 minutes
D)   5 minutes

Question 8

What is the purpose of waiting 30 seconds for the alcohol to dry before inserting a needle?

Accepted Answer

A)   The evaporation process helps destroy microbes
B)   To avoid a stinging sensation
C)   To prevent hemolysis of the specimen
D)   All of the above

Question 9

Routine inpatient blood specimen should be labeled:

Accepted Answer

A)   at bedside immediately after collection
B)   in the laboratory after collection
C)   before the specimen is collected
D)   outside the patient's room

Question 10

Which of the following needle gauges has the smallest diameter?

Accepted Answer

A)   18
B)   21
C)   22
D)   23

Question 11

What should the phlebotomist do with the first drop of blood when a capillary puncture is performed?

Accepted Answer

A)   Use it for coagulation studies
B)   Wipe it off with gauze
C)   Make a blood smear or slide
D)   Use it for hematology testing

Question 12

The purpose of the rubber sheath on a multisample needle is to:

Accepted Answer

A)   protect the phlebotomist from accidental puncture
B)   prevent contamination of the blood sample
C)   facilitate puncture of the stopper
D)   prevent leakage of blood when tubes are changed

Question 13

Which of the listed sequences is the best method for performing a finger stick?

Accepted Answer

A)   Squeeze the finger,decontaminate,puncture the skin
B)   Decontaminate,squeeze the finger,puncture the skin,collect the first drop
C)   Decontaminate,puncture the skin,wipe the first drop,collect the blood sample
D)   Apply a tourniquet,puncture the skin,wipe the first drop,collect the blood sample

Question 14

Proper identification of a patient does not include:

Accepted Answer

A)   asking the patient to state or spell his or her name
B)   comparing information on the requisition to the ID band
C)   asking the patient's nurse to identify the patient
D)   saying to the patient "Are you Mr.Jones?",etc.

Question 15

A Luer adaptor is used:

Accepted Answer

A)   when using a winged infusion set to collect a blood specimen
B)   when collecting a capillary puncture specimen
C)   when using a standard needle and evacuated tube system to collect a blood specimen
D)   for all blood collection procedures,regardless of equipment used

Question 16

You are about to draw blood from a patient.You touch the needle to the skin,but change your mind and pull the needle away.What do you do next?

Accepted Answer

A)   Clean the site and try again using the same needle
B)   Immediately try again using the same needle
C)   Obtain a new needle before starting over with the procedure
D)   Wipe the needle across the alcohol pad and try again

Question 17

Why should you remove the vacuum tube from the needle before withdrawing it from the patient's arm?

Accepted Answer

A)   To be able to mix the tube as soon as possible
B)   To decrease the pain felt by the patient on withdrawal
C)   To prevent blood from dripping out of the needle after withdrawal
D)   To reduce the chance of reflux

Question 18

It is important for the phlebotomist to visually inspect the needle tip before inserting it in a patient's vein to:

Accepted Answer

A)   check for the presence of bacteria
B)   ensure that the bevel is down during insertion
C)   make certain that the needle is not outdated
D)   see if the needle point has imperfections that might damage the patient's vein

Question 19

What is the best thing to do if the vein can be felt but not seen,even with the tourniquet on?

Accepted Answer

A)   Insert the needle where you think it is and probe until you find it
B)   Leave the tourniquet on while cleaning the site
C)   Look for visual clues on the skin to help you remember where it is
D)   Mark the spot with a felt tip pen

Question 20

Which is the proper way to anchor a vein?

Accepted Answer

A)   Anchoring is not necessary
B)   Pull the skin taut with your thumb below the site
C)   Use your index finger above and thumb below the site
D)   None of the above

Exam 6: Proper Procedures for Venipuncture