CCMA Phlebotomy Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's arm shows signs of a hematoma forming during venipuncture. What is the FIRST action to take?
- Apply pressure and remove the needle immediately (Correct answer)
- Continue drawing and apply pressure after
- Redirect the needle to another vein
- Notify the physician before stopping
Correct answer: Apply pressure and remove the needle immediately
When a hematoma forms, the needle should be removed immediately and firm pressure applied to prevent further blood leakage into surrounding tissue.
Question 2: Which evacuated tube color is used for serum chemistry tests requiring no additive?
- Lavender
- Red (Correct answer)
- Green
- Gray
Correct answer: Red
Red-top tubes contain no additive and allow blood to clot naturally, producing serum for chemistry testing.
Question 3: What is the recommended angle of needle insertion for a standard venipuncture?
- 5–10 degrees
- 15–30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45–60 degrees
- 60–75 degrees
Correct answer: 15–30 degrees
A 15–30 degree angle is recommended for venipuncture to enter the vein cleanly without passing through it.
Question 4: Which condition requires the phlebotomist to draw blood from the hand or wrist rather than the antecubital fossa?
- Patient has a latex allergy
- Mastectomy on the ipsilateral side (Correct answer)
- Patient is dehydrated
- Patient is taking anticoagulants
Correct answer: Mastectomy on the ipsilateral side
Drawing from the arm on the same side as a mastectomy is contraindicated due to lymphedema risk, so alternate sites such as the hand are used.
Question 5: A phlebotomist notices the tube is not filling during an ETS draw. Which is the LEAST likely cause?
- Needle bevel against the vein wall
- Loss of vacuum in the tube
- Needle fully through the vein
- Patient's blood pressure is too high (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Patient's blood pressure is too high
High blood pressure would not prevent tube filling; it is more commonly associated with rapid, forceful filling rather than failure to fill.
Question 6: When performing a capillary puncture on an infant, which site is preferred?
- Index finger
- Medial or lateral plantar heel (Correct answer)
- Earlobe
- Thumb
Correct answer: Medial or lateral plantar heel
The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel is the recommended site for infant capillary puncture to avoid bone and nerve damage.
Question 7: Which tube additive prevents glycolysis and is used for glucose testing?
- EDTA
- Sodium citrate
- Sodium fluoride (Correct answer)
- Lithium heparin
Correct answer: Sodium fluoride
Sodium fluoride inhibits glycolysis, preserving glucose levels in the specimen until it can be tested.
CCMA Phlebotomy Procedures 4
A patient's arm shows signs of a hematoma forming during venipuncture.
What is the FIRST action to take?