Phlebotomy Exam Questions!

Chlorhexidine is a common component of disinfectant solutions used for the collection of blood cultures. It is a powerful antiseptic that is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is commonly used to clean the skin before invasive procedures, such as blood collection, to reduce the risk of infection. Chlorhexidine has strong antimicrobial properties and is known for its long-lasting effects, making it an ideal choice for disinfecting solutions used in the collection of blood cultures.

The correct answer is light blue because a prothrombin time test requires the use of an evacuated tube with a specific colored stopper. The light blue stopper indicates that the tube contains sodium citrate, which is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. This is necessary for accurate measurement of prothrombin time, which assesses the blood's ability to clot. The use of a different colored stopper, such as red, green, or red and black, would not be appropriate for this specific test.

A glucose tolerance test may be ordered to confirm diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia. This test involves measuring blood glucose levels before and after consuming a specific amount of glucose. It helps evaluate the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and diagnose conditions such as diabetes.

Blood culture draws require sample collection in both anaerobic media tubes/bottles and aerobic media tubes/bottles. This is because some bacteria require oxygen to grow (aerobic bacteria), while others cannot survive in the presence of oxygen (anaerobic bacteria). By using both types of media, healthcare professionals can ensure that they capture a wide range of bacteria that may be present in the blood sample. The use of CO2 media tubes/bottles and sterile saline is not necessary for blood culture draws.

Mixing should begin immediately after collection when using tubes with additives to ensure proper mixing of the blood with the additives. This is important to prevent clotting or other changes in the blood sample that could affect the accuracy of test results. Delaying the mixing process could lead to inaccurate test results and potentially impact patient care. Therefore, it is crucial to start mixing the tubes immediately after collection.

If a phlebotomist forgets to bandage the venipuncture site of a patient who later bleeds profusely, they can be charged with negligence. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care or the failure to fulfill a duty, resulting in harm or injury to another person. In this case, the phlebotomist's forgetfulness and failure to properly bandage the site led to the patient bleeding profusely, which can be seen as a breach of their duty of care. Therefore, negligence is the appropriate charge in this situation.

The correct answer is 1:10. This means that the bleach solution should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Diluting the bleach in this ratio ensures that it is not too concentrated and reduces the risk of damaging surfaces or harming individuals during decontamination. Regular decontamination with fresh bleach solutions helps to maintain a clean and safe environment in the specimen collection areas.

Microsampling by fingerstick should be considered as the next collection change for the daily CBC orders until the bruises heal. This method involves collecting a small amount of blood from the fingertip using a lancet. Since the child has numerous bruises along both forearms, using evacuated pediatric tubes and a multi-sample needle system may cause further injury or discomfort. Microsampling by fingerstick is a less invasive and safer alternative that can be used until the bruises heal.

Capillary blood sampling would be the method of choice for laboratory testing when veins are fragile or bruised. This is because capillary blood sampling involves collecting blood from the capillaries, which are small blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin. When veins are fragile or bruised, it may be difficult or risky to draw blood from them. Capillary blood sampling provides an alternative method that is less invasive and can still provide accurate results for laboratory testing.

When a 5 milliliter evacuated tube appears to extract blood with too much force from a weak vein, it suggests that the vein is not able to withstand the suction created by the larger tube. In such cases, using a pediatric-sized tube, which has a smaller diameter, would be more appropriate. This smaller tube would create less suction and reduce the chances of the vein collapsing.

The correct answer is from center to periphery. This is the recommended technique for cleansing the collection site before performing a venipuncture. Starting from the center and moving outward helps to prevent contamination by pushing any potential microorganisms away from the puncture site.

When making a blood smear using two glass slides, it is recommended to have an angle of contact of approximately 30 degrees. This angle allows for the blood to spread evenly and thinly across the slide, making it easier to examine under a microscope. A larger angle may result in uneven distribution of the blood, while a smaller angle may cause the blood to clump together and make it difficult to analyze.

Insufficient needle depth might result in failure to obtain blood during venipuncture because the needle may not reach the vein, preventing the blood from being drawn. This can occur if the healthcare professional does not insert the needle deep enough into the vein or if they accidentally withdraw the needle before collecting the blood sample. In such cases, the needle may only puncture the skin or the superficial layers of tissue, leading to unsuccessful blood collection.

The American Hospital Association Patient's Bill of Rights includes several rights that patients have when receiving medical care. These rights include the right to refusal of treatment, the right to informed consent about care, and the right to accurate information about care. However, the right to select preferred caregivers is not included in the Patient's Bill of Rights. This means that patients may not have the ability to choose their preferred healthcare providers or caregivers when receiving treatment.

A 15 gauge needle would be the least appropriate choice for pediatric venipuncture because it has a larger diameter compared to other options. Pediatric veins are smaller and more delicate, making it difficult to successfully insert a larger needle without causing discomfort or potential complications. Using a smaller gauge needle, such as a winged infusion set or a pediatric-sized tube, would be more appropriate and safer for pediatric patients.

When drawing blood from a patient with an open IV line, the selected site should be located below the IV. This is because drawing blood from above the IV can cause contamination of the blood sample with IV fluids, leading to inaccurate test results. Drawing blood from the IV tubing or in the antecubital fossa (inner elbow area) may also lead to contamination or interference with the IV line. Therefore, the best practice is to select a site below the IV to ensure a clean and accurate blood sample.

Insufficient mixing can lead to the formation of tiny clots in an anticoagulated tube. When blood is not mixed properly with the anticoagulant, the anticoagulant may not be evenly distributed, causing some parts of the blood to clot. This can result in the formation of small clots in the tube.

The prothrombin time (PT) test is used to evaluate the extrinsic coagulation function. This test measures the time it takes for blood to clot and assesses the activity of factors involved in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation, such as factors II, V, VII, and X. It is commonly used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy, assess liver function, and diagnose bleeding disorders.

The purpose of protective isolation is to prevent susceptible patients from being contaminated by outside sources. This can include protecting them from harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that may be present in the environment. By implementing measures such as using sterile equipment, maintaining strict hygiene practices, and limiting contact with individuals who may carry infectious diseases, the goal is to create a safe and controlled environment for patients who are at a higher risk of infections.

Manually "popping" the top off an evacuated tube after blood collection can create a safety issue because it can break the vacuum inside the tube, causing an aerosol to be released. This aerosol may contain potentially infectious substances, posing a risk to the specimen processor and others in the vicinity. Wearing gloves does not provide sufficient protection against aerosols, as they can still come into contact with the skin or be inhaled. Therefore, breaking the vacuum can result in a safety hazard, even if gloves are worn.

A sphygmomanometer is not an example of a Vascular Access Device (VAD). A VAD is a medical device that is used to access the vascular system for the purpose of delivering fluids, medications, or drawing blood. Examples of VADs include central venous lines, peripherally inserted central catheters, and implanted ports or shunts. However, a sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure and does not access the vascular system.

Tubes used for coagulation tests must have a 9:1 ratio of blood to anticoagulant to be accepted by the lab. This is because coagulation tests require a specific amount of blood and anticoagulant to ensure accurate results. The 9:1 ratio helps prevent clotting of the blood sample, allowing for proper analysis of the coagulation process.

Nosocomial infections are infections that are acquired in a hospital or healthcare setting. The most common nosocomial infections are urinary tract infections. These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. This can happen due to catheter use, improper hygiene practices, or compromised immune systems. Urinary tract infections are particularly common in healthcare settings due to the frequent use of catheters and the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract.

The evacuated tube system for venipuncture consists of a vacuum collection tube with a color-coded stopper, a special plastic holder known as an adapter, and a double-sided, multi-sample needle with a slanted bore. The purpose of the collection tray is to organize and hold the various components of the system, but it is not a necessary component for the venipuncture process. Therefore, the conpartmentalized hard shell collection tray is the correct answer.

The National Fire Protection Association labels use the color red and the number 4 to indicate that a chemical is easily dispersed in air and will burn readily. This labeling system is used to provide important information about the hazards associated with different chemicals, helping to ensure the safety of individuals working with or near these substances.

Glucose tolerance is considered a time-dependent laboratory test because it measures how the body processes glucose over a specific period of time. This test is used to diagnose diabetes and evaluate insulin resistance. It involves fasting overnight, consuming a glucose solution, and then measuring blood glucose levels at regular intervals for several hours. The results of the test can vary depending on the time elapsed since consuming the glucose solution, making it a time-dependent test. CBC, direct bilirubin, and platelet count are not time-dependent tests as they provide immediate results without the need for a specific time frame.

NCCLS (now known as Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) is a national organization that has been setting standards for phlebotomy procedures in the US for many years. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of phlebotomy practices in clinical laboratories. OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which focuses on workplace safety in general and does not specifically specialize in phlebotomy procedures. JCAHO is the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, which is responsible for accrediting healthcare organizations and does not specifically focus on phlebotomy standards. TQM stands for Total Quality Management, which is a management approach and not a national organization for establishing standards in phlebotomy.

Re-palpating the draw site with a prepped finger is most likely to cause contamination during blood culture collection. This is because touching the site again with a prepped finger can introduce bacteria or other contaminants from the finger into the collection site, increasing the risk of contamination. It is important to avoid touching the draw site once it has been prepped to maintain a sterile environment.

OSHA requires training and educational information to be given to phlebotomists on topics related to blood borne pathogens, needle safety and handling, and glass and sharps disposal. However, preventing identification errors is not specifically mentioned as a requirement by OSHA.

When anticoagulated blood is centrifuged, the components of the blood will separate based on their density. Red blood cells are denser than other components such as white blood cells, plasma, and platelet clumps. Therefore, during centrifugation, the red blood cells will settle to the bottom of the tube, while the less dense components will remain on top.

Healthcare personnel should maintain absolute sterility when handling IV intravenous supplies because these supplies are directly inserted into a patient's bloodstream. Any contamination or lack of sterility could lead to serious infections or other complications for the patient. Therefore, healthcare personnel must ensure that they follow proper sterilization protocols and handle IV supplies with utmost care to prevent any harm to the patient.

The best choice for measuring the total fluid amount of a typical 24-hour urine sample would be a 2000ml (2L) graduated cylinder. This is because a 24-hour urine sample can contain a large volume of fluid, and a 2000ml graduated cylinder would be able to accommodate this volume. Using a smaller graduated cylinder, such as a 2ml or 20ml, would not be sufficient to accurately measure the total fluid amount of the sample.

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a commonly used anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by binding to calcium ions. Calcium is necessary for the clotting process, so by removing it from the blood, EDTA inhibits clot formation. Therefore, calcium is the element in blood that is bound by EDTA in a collection tube to prevent clotting.

The rubber sleeve over the end of the needle prevents blood from seeping into the tube holder (adapter). This is important because if blood were to seep into the adapter, it could contaminate the sample and potentially affect the accuracy of the test results. By preventing blood from entering the adapter, the rubber sleeve helps maintain the integrity of the sample and ensures reliable test results.

If the outside of a patient sample tube has visible blood on it, the phlebotomist should wipe it down with disinfectant. This is important to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of any potential pathogens. Wiping down the tube with disinfectant helps to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present on the surface, reducing the risk of contamination. It is a necessary step to ensure the safety of both the phlebotomist and other individuals who may come into contact with the tube.

Closing centrifuge lids will minimize aerosol microbial contamination in a laboratory because when the lids are closed, any aerosols generated during the centrifugation process will be contained within the centrifuge, reducing the risk of contamination spreading to other areas of the laboratory.

When blood is drawn into a serum tube, it needs time to clot before centrifugation. Centrifuging before the blood has clotted can lead to the presence of fibrin strands in the serum tubes. Clotting is necessary to separate the serum from the cellular components of the blood. If the blood is not allowed to clot properly before centrifugation, fibrin strands can form and become entangled with the serum, resulting in their presence in the tubes after centrifugation.

Squeezing the finger too vigorously during capillary blood collection can cause erroneous lab test results due to dilution with tissue fluid. When the finger is squeezed too hard, it can cause the tissue fluid to mix with the blood sample, leading to inaccurate test results. This dilution can affect the concentration of analytes in the blood, leading to false readings. It is important to collect capillary blood samples carefully, ensuring minimal contamination and accurate results.

Cold agglutinin is the correct answer because it is a type of antibody that can cause red blood cells to clump together at low temperatures. To prevent this clumping from occurring, the sample needs to be kept warm after collection. Additionally, delivering the sample to the laboratory as quickly as possible is important to ensure accurate and reliable test results.

Venules are small blood vessels that allow deoxygenated blood to return from the capillary beds to the larger veins. They are smaller than veins but larger than capillaries. Capillaries are even smaller and connect arterioles (small arteries) to venules. Arterioles, on the other hand, are small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries.

The best course of action in this situation would be to arrange to recollect both samples automatically. Since both tubes have different test requisitions, it is important to ensure that the correct tests are performed on each sample. By recollecting both samples automatically, the laboratory can avoid any potential mix-ups or errors in testing. This will help maintain the accuracy and integrity of the test results, ensuring that the patients receive the appropriate medical care based on their specific test requirements.

The phlebotomist must remember to keep the tourniquet tied until the last tube is filled. This is incorrect because keeping the tourniquet tied for too long can cause hemoconcentration, leading to inaccurate test results. The tourniquet should be released after the first tube is filled to prevent this.

The correct answer is "bleeding time" because it is a laboratory test used to assess the function of platelets in a patient before surgery. This test measures the time it takes for bleeding to stop after a standardized skin incision is made. It helps determine if the patient has normal platelet function, which is essential for proper blood clotting. Prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and complete blood count are other laboratory tests that assess different aspects of blood clotting and do not specifically evaluate platelet function before surgery.

Blood smears are made with a feathered edge because it spreads cells out until they are one layer thick. This technique ensures that the blood cells are evenly distributed on the slide, allowing for easier examination under a microscope. By creating a feathered edge, the cells are spread out in a thin, even layer, making it easier to observe individual cells and identify any abnormalities or changes in their morphology.

Medical ethics defines conduct within the medical profession that is deemed to be right or wrong. This means that medical professionals are expected to adhere to a set of moral principles and standards in their practice. They are required to make decisions and perform actions that are considered morally acceptable and avoid those that are morally wrong. This ensures that patients receive appropriate care and that medical professionals uphold the values of the profession. Negligence and malpractice are not the sole criteria for determining ethical conduct, as ethical considerations encompass a broader range of moral judgments.

In the context of the quality assurance process for lab test results, compliance refers to the adherence to established protocols, guidelines, and regulations. Health care workers who collect and perform laboratory testing must demonstrate ongoing compliance to ensure accuracy in their test results. This includes following standard operating procedures, maintaining proper documentation, and consistently meeting the required quality standards. Competence, empathy, and intelligence are important qualities for health care workers, but they are not specifically related to ensuring accuracy in lab test results.

A tube holder (adapter) that has been visibly contaminated with blood should be disposed with sharps because sharps include any items that can puncture or cut the skin and potentially transmit infectious diseases. Since the tube holder may have a needle or other sharp component, it should be disposed of in a sharps container to prevent any accidental injuries or infections.

Parenteral transmission refers to the transfer of pathogens directly into the bloodstream through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, such as through needlestick injuries, cuts, or other injuries. Drinking contaminated water involves ingestion, which is an example of oral transmission, not parenteral.

The most commonly used additive for collecting an ethanol specimen is a red top with no additive. This is because ethanol is volatile and can evaporate easily, so it is important to collect the specimen in a tube without any additives that could interfere with the analysis. The red top tube is specifically designed for this purpose, allowing for accurate measurement of ethanol levels in the specimen. Sodium fluoride and sodium citrate are commonly used additives for preserving glucose levels in blood samples, while EDTA is used for preserving whole blood samples for various laboratory tests.

Treating all lab specimens as if they are hazardous and infectious is the basis for hazardous waste controls. This means that regardless of whether a specimen is actually hazardous or not, it is handled and disposed of as if it is, ensuring that proper safety measures are followed. This approach helps to minimize the risk of exposure to potentially dangerous substances and prevents the spread of infections in the laboratory setting. By treating all specimens as hazardous waste, labs can effectively manage and control the disposal of potentially harmful materials, ensuring the safety of both laboratory personnel and the environment.