Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam General 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which additive in a light blue (sodium citrate) tube prevents clotting by binding calcium?
- EDTA
- Sodium citrate (Correct answer)
- Lithium heparin
- Potassium oxalate
Correct answer: Sodium citrate
Sodium citrate chelates calcium ions, which are necessary for the clotting cascade, thereby preventing coagulation.
Question 2: What is the maximum recommended angle for needle insertion during a routine venipuncture?
- 15 degrees
- 30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees
- 60 degrees
Correct answer: 30 degrees
A 15–30 degree angle is recommended for venipuncture; 30 degrees is the maximum to avoid passing through the vein.
Question 3: A patient's arm shows a large bruise at a recent draw site. This condition is called:
- Petechiae
- Hematoma (Correct answer)
- Ecchymosis
- Phlebitis
Correct answer: Hematoma
A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside blood vessels caused by leakage during or after venipuncture.
Question 4: Which tube should be collected FIRST when drawing only a coagulation specimen?
- A discard tube (Correct answer)
- The light blue tube directly
- A gold SST tube
- A lavender EDTA tube
Correct answer: A discard tube
A discard tube is drawn first to clear the needle of tissue factor and air that could activate coagulation before filling the citrate tube.
Question 5: Which vein is considered the FIRST choice for routine adult venipuncture?
- Cephalic vein
- Basilic vein
- Median cubital vein (Correct answer)
- Dorsal hand vein
Correct answer: Median cubital vein
The median cubital vein is preferred because it is large, well-anchored, and least likely to roll or bruise.
Question 6: If a patient faints during venipuncture, the phlebotomist should FIRST:
- Continue drawing to finish quickly
- Remove the needle and ensure patient safety (Correct answer)
- Call a code blue immediately
- Apply additional tourniquet pressure
Correct answer: Remove the needle and ensure patient safety
Patient safety is the priority; remove the needle, apply pressure, lower the patient's head, and call for assistance.
Question 7: The 'order of draw' exists primarily to prevent:
- Hemolysis of red blood cells
- Cross-contamination of tube additives (Correct answer)
- Venous stasis in the arm
- Air bubbles in collection tubes
Correct answer: Cross-contamination of tube additives
Following the correct order of draw prevents additives from one tube from contaminating the next tube and altering test results.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam General 2
Which additive in a light blue (sodium citrate) tube prevents clotting by binding calcium?