Phlebotomy Technician Quiz: Routine Blood Collections

A phlebotomy technician is performing a hand venipuncture on a 25-year-old patient who has small veins that are difficult to access. Which of the following equipment should the technician use to perform the procedure?

• 21-gauge ETS eclipse needle

• 25-gauge ETS eclipse needle

• 23-gauge winged collection set

• 23-gauge syringe collection set

A phlebotomy technician is preparing equipment for a blood draw. The technician notices that one of the tubes on the tray is expired. Which of the following actions should the technician take to ensure accurate test results?

• Use a tube from the back of the shelf.

• Use a new tube from the front of the shelf.

• Use the expired tube regardless of the date.

• Use the tube within 5 days of expiration.

A phlebotomy technician is performing a venipuncture for a potassium test, CBC, and glucose test. The technician has left the tourniquet on the patient for 3 min. Which of the following outcomes should the technician expect?

• Low iron level

• High potassium level

• High CBC level

• Low potassium level

A phlebotomy technician is performing a blood collection for a patient who has edema in her right arm. Which of the following locations should the technician identify as the best vein choice for venipuncture?

• Right side median cubital

• Right side median cephalic

• Left side basilic

• Left side dorsal hand

A phlebotomy technician is using povidone-iodine during a capillary specimen collection. Which of the following outcomes should the technician expect?

• Increased potassium level

• Decreased potassium level

• Increased glucose levels

• Decreased glucose levels

A phlebotomy technician is performing a venipuncture. After removing the needle cap, which of the following steps should the technician take?

• Position the needle at a 40° angle above the puncture site.

• Perform a "C" hold over the intended puncture site.

• Anchor the vein 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) below the puncture site.

• Insert the needle quickly into the puncture site.

A phlebotomy technician is drawing blood through a hematoma. Which of the following errors should the technician expect to see in the specimen?

• Decreased electrolytes

• Increased potassium

• Hemolysis

• Increased epithelial tissue

A phlebotomy technician is performing a venipuncture for a bilirubin test, a cold agglutinin titer, a CBC, and a PTT test. Which of the following tubes should the technician use?

A patient sits down for a venipuncture in an outpatient setting, rolls up her sleeve, and extends her arm. The patient turns her head away from the phlebotomy technician and says, "I don't want my blood drawn." Which of the following responses should the technician make to the patient?

A phlebotomy technician is performing a venipuncture on a patient's deep median cubital vein. Which of the following methods of withdrawal should the technician use?

• Withdraw with the bevel down at a 25° to 30° angle.

• Withdraw with the bevel down at a 10° to 15° angle.

• Withdraw with the bevel up at a 10° to 15° angle.

• Withdraw with the bevel up at a 25° to 30° angle.