Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which additive in a gray-top tube is used to inhibit glycolysis for glucose testing?
- Heparin
- EDTA
- Sodium fluoride (Correct answer)
- Sodium citrate
Correct answer: Sodium fluoride
Sodium fluoride (with potassium oxalate) in gray-top tubes inhibits glycolytic enzymes to preserve glucose levels.
Question 2: A patient reports feeling dizzy and lightheaded during a venipuncture. What is the FIRST action the phlebotomist should take?
- Continue drawing to finish quickly
- Remove the needle and have the patient lie down (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to take deep breaths while drawing continues
- Call the nurse before removing the needle
Correct answer: Remove the needle and have the patient lie down
If a patient shows signs of syncope, immediately remove the needle and position the patient safely (lying down or head between knees) to restore blood flow to the brain.
Question 3: When performing a capillary puncture on an adult finger, which area should be avoided?
- Lateral aspect of the ring finger
- Lateral aspect of the middle finger
- The very tip and center of the finger (Correct answer)
- Medial aspect of the index finger
Correct answer: The very tip and center of the finger
The tip and center of the finger should be avoided because they have more nerve endings and the skin is thinner, increasing pain and risk of bone puncture.
Question 4: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of the 'order of draw' in multi-tube venipuncture?
- To ensure the largest tube is filled first
- To prevent cross-contamination of tube additives (Correct answer)
- To allow time for patient coagulation to stabilize
- To standardize needle gauge selection
Correct answer: To prevent cross-contamination of tube additives
The order of draw is established to prevent carry-over of additives from one tube to the next, which could interfere with test results.
Question 5: A specimen for prothrombin time (PT) testing requires a light blue-top tube. What is the correct blood-to-additive ratio?
- 1:10
- 9:1 (Correct answer)
- 1:1
- 4:1
Correct answer: 9:1
Light blue-top tubes contain sodium citrate and require a 9:1 blood-to-anticoagulant ratio to ensure accurate coagulation results.
Question 6: Which federal law governs the handling and disposal of biohazardous waste and sharps in the clinical laboratory?
- HIPAA
- CLIA '88
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (Correct answer)
- The Clean Air Act
Correct answer: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates proper handling, disposal, and PPE requirements related to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
Question 7: Which vein is generally considered the FIRST choice for routine adult venipuncture?
- Basilic vein
- Cephalic vein
- Median cubital vein (Correct answer)
- Brachial vein
Correct answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa is the preferred first-choice site because it is large, well-anchored, and generally less painful to puncture.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) MCQ 2
Which additive in a gray-top tube is used to inhibit glycolysis for glucose testing?