Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Routine Collection Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's arm veins are difficult to locate. Which technique should the phlebotomist try FIRST?
- Apply a warm compress to the site for 3-5 minutes (Correct answer)
- Use a 23-gauge needle to reduce patient discomfort
- Ask the patient to pump their fist rapidly
- Immediately attempt the antecubital fossa on the other arm
Correct answer: Apply a warm compress to the site for 3-5 minutes
Applying a warm compress dilates blood vessels, making veins more visible and palpable.
Question 2: Which evacuated tube is collected FIRST when using the standard order of draw?
- EDTA (lavender top)
- Blood culture bottles (Correct answer)
- Serum separator tube (gold/red-gray)
- Sodium citrate (light blue top)
Correct answer: Blood culture bottles
Blood culture bottles are collected first to minimize contamination risk before other additives.
Question 3: A patient reports feeling faint during venipuncture. What is the FIRST action the phlebotomist should take?
- Complete the draw as quickly as possible before the patient faints
- Remove the needle and have the patient lower their head (Correct answer)
- Administer smelling salts immediately
- Call a code blue
Correct answer: Remove the needle and have the patient lower their head
Removing the needle prevents injury, and lowering the head increases cerebral blood flow to prevent syncope.
Question 4: What is the correct angle of needle insertion for routine venipuncture?
- 5-10 degrees
- 15-30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45-60 degrees
- 60-90 degrees
Correct answer: 15-30 degrees
A 15-30 degree angle allows proper vein entry without going through the posterior wall.
Question 5: Which site is CONTRAINDICATED for venipuncture in a patient who has had a mastectomy on the left side?
- Right antecubital fossa
- Right hand dorsal veins
- Left antecubital fossa (Correct answer)
- Right forearm
Correct answer: Left antecubital fossa
The ipsilateral (same-side) arm of a mastectomy is contraindicated due to lymphedema risk and altered circulation.
Question 6: How long should a phlebotomist apply pressure to a venipuncture site after needle removal?
- 30 seconds
- 1-2 minutes (Correct answer)
- 3-5 minutes
- 10 minutes
Correct answer: 1-2 minutes
Pressure should be applied for 1-2 minutes (or until bleeding stops) to ensure hemostasis.
Question 7: When a requisition form calls for a fasting specimen, what does this typically mean?
- The patient should have had only water for 4 hours
- The patient should have had nothing by mouth for 8-12 hours (Correct answer)
- The patient must fast for 24 hours
- The patient should avoid fatty foods for 2 hours
Correct answer: The patient should have had nothing by mouth for 8-12 hours
A standard fasting specimen requires 8-12 hours of no food or drink (except water) to ensure accurate baseline metabolic values.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Routine Collection Procedures 2
A patient's arm veins are difficult to locate.
Which technique should the phlebotomist try FIRST?