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STUDY GUIDE
Chapter 17: Phlebotomy
Mrs. Dasalla
1. An individual who collects blood specimens is known as a (n): phlebotomist
2. Phlebotomy includes: skin punctures, arterial punctures, and venipunctures
3. Methods for performing venipuncture include: butterfly method, syringe method and
vacuum tube method
4. When collecting a venous blood specimen to be transported to an outside laboratory for
testing, what should be consulted for information on collecting and handling
requirements? Laboratory directory
5. What is the proper method for identifying a patient before performing a venipuncture?
Ask the patient to state his or her full name and DOB
6. A guideline that should not be followed when assembling equipment and supplies for a
venipuncture are: label each blood tube with one unique patient identifier
7. What position should be used for a venipuncture if a patient appears nervous or has
fainted in the past from a venipuncture? Semi-Flowler
8. You need to collect a venous blood specimen from a patient to run an FBG. What
statement would be inappropriate to make to the patient during this procedure? “This
procedure will not hurt”
9. When collecting a blood specimen using the vacuum tube method of venipuncture,
venous reflux is prevented by: keeping the patient’s arm in a downward position
10. The purpose of applying a tourniquet when performing venipuncture is to: make the
patient’s veins more visible and easier to palpate
11. The following are correct techniques for applying a tourniquet: placing the tourniquet
3-4 inches above the bend in the elbow, asking the patient to clench their fist, and
applying the tourniquet so that it is snug, but not tight
12. This may occur if a tourniquet is applied too tightly? It may be uncomfortable for the
patient, inaccurate test results may occur, arterial and venous blood flow may be
obstructed
13. Which antecubital veins are considered the best vein to use for a venipuncture? Median
cubital vein
14. The following represents an error in technique when selecting a vein for venipuncture?
Using the thumb to palpate the vein
15. The following are characteristics of the brachial artery (located in the antecubital space)?
Pulsates when palpated, has a more elastic and thicker wall than a vein, if
punctured, blood is bright red in color and the patient will feel more than the usual
amount of pain
16. Why should the veins of the hands be used as a venipuncture site only as a last resort?
They have a tendency to roll, they are more difficult to stick, the procedure is more
uncomfortable for the patient and the hand veins are more susceptible to collapsing
17. On standing, a blood specimen to which an anticoagulant has been added separates into:
plasma, buffy coat, and blood cells
18. How is serum obtained? From clotted blood that has been centrifuged
19. Whole blood is obtained by: using a tube containing an anticoagulant
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20. When performing a venipuncture, the following techniques represent a violation of the
OSHA standard? Removing the plastic holder from the needle for reuse
21. Which of the following gauge needles is used most often to perform a routine
venipuncture using the vacuum tube method? 21 G
22. The size of the evacuated tube you choose to obtain a venous blood specimen depends on
the: amount of specimen required for the test
23. An evacuated tube with a lavender stopper contains: EDTA
24. An evacuated tube with a red stopper contains
25. What color stopper tube is used to collect a blood specimen for a complete blood cell
count (CBC)? Lavender
26. What color stopper tube is used to collect a blood specimen for a prothrombin time test?
Light blue
27. The following evacuated tubes can be used to collect serum: Red/gray, gold, red, and
light blue
28. What may occur if an outdated evacuated tube is used to collect the blood specimen? The
tube may no longer have a vacuum
29. Indicates the correct order of draw for the vacuum tube method of venipuncture? Red,
green, lavender, gray
30. What represents an error in technique when working with evacuated tubes? Shaking a
tube containing an anticoagulant after drawing it
31. What should be performed if an evacuated tube contains a clot activator? Gently invert
the tube five times after drawing it
32. What is a disadvantage of using the syringe method of venipuncture? The amount of
blood specimen that can be collected is limited by the size of the syringe
33. What should not be used as a venipuncture site? Scarred skin, bruised skin, an area
that is painful to the patient and burned skin
34. On palpation, a scarred vein feels: stiff and hard
35. The following techniques can be used to prevent a vein from rolling? Applying firm
pressure below and to the side of the vein
36. What may occur if an angle of less than 15 degrees is used to perform the venipuncture?
The needle may enter the skin above the vein and not puncture it
37. What results in patient discomfort during the venipuncture procedure? moving the
needle after it has been inserted into the vein
38. The following veins are most likely to collapse when performing a venipuncture? Small
veins
39. If you think a vein selected for venipuncture may collapse, you should: use the butterfly
method to perform the draw
40. During the venipuncture procedure, a sudden swelling occurs in the area around the
puncture site. You should: immediately remove the tourniquet and then the needle
41. What may occur if the needle is removed from the arm before removing the tourniquet?
Bleeding may occur around the puncture site
42. What may cause a result in hemolysis of the blood specimen? Using a needle with a
small lumen to collect the specimen
43. Hemolysis of a blood specimen results in: inaccurate test results
44. You are performing a venipuncture, and the patient becomes dizzy and is about to faint.
Your first priority in this situation should be to: protect the patient from injury
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45. The following is found in the serum of blood? Glucose, hormones, chloride and
antibodies
46. Your physician has requested an electrolyte profile on a patient. The laboratory directory
indicates this test requires 4 mL of serum. Which tubes should be used to collect the
specimen? 10-ml SST
47. After drawing a blood specimen for an electrolyte profile, the next step is to: allow the
specimen to stand in an upright position for 30-45 minutes
48. If a fibrin clot formed in the serum layer of a blood specimen, it would: interfere with
adequate serum collection
49. Plasma functions in: transporting electrolytes needed by the cells, nutrients needed
by the tissues, picks up wastes from the tissues and transports antibodies, enzymes
and hormones
50. Which sites can be used to make a skin puncture on an adult? Lateral part of the third
fingertip
51. What may occur if a finger puncture is made that is deeper than 3.1 mm? penetration of
the bone
52. The following represents an error in technique when obtaining a capillary blood
specimen? Using the first drop of blood for the test
53. When performing a capillary puncture, the finger should not be squeezed to avoid:
diluting the blood sample with tissue fluid
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