1 of the 5 practice test for the phlebotomy certification test

A phlebotomy technician arrives for a shift wearing clean scrubs, closed‑toe shoes, and a name badge. The technician is also wearing long artificial nails. What is the most appropriate action to maintain a professional appearance and follow safety standards?

Remove/shorten artificial nails

Which of the following concepts typically defines ethics?

Principles of right and wrong

Which of the following best describes empathy?

Caring for and respecting patient welfare

A phlebotomy technician prepares for a blood draw and realizes they set up the wrong additive tube for the ordered test. The patient has not been stuck yet. What should the technician do next?

Replace with the correct tube

A very busy phlebotomist misidentifies the patient when collecting a specimen for transfusion preparation. The possible misdiagnosis of blood type could cause the patient’s death. If the phlebotomist’s action results in injury, this wrongful act is known as which of the following terms?

Negligence

Deceitful practice or false portrayal of facts either by words or conduct is the definition of which of the following terms?

Fraud

Performing one’s duties in the same manner as any other reasonable and prudent person with the same experience and training is referred to as which of the following terms?

Standard of care

“People like that always get ringworm.” What is this statement an example of?

Stereotyping

Which of the following is not a phlebotomist’s duty?

Starting IV lines

A patient appears anxious and says, “I hate needles—please don’t embarrass me about this.” Which response best supports the patient’s right to dignity and respect?

“I’ll explain each step and we’ll go at your pace.”

After a blood draw, a patient tells the phlebotomy technician, “My rights were violated and I want to file a complaint.” What is the phlebotomy technician’s best response?

Provide complaint process and report per policy

After a blood draw, a patient tells the phlebotomy technician, “My rights were violated and I want to file a complaint.” What is the phlebotomy technician’s best response?

Purpose of the draw and what to expect

Which of the following is the most important for phlebotomists to keep in mind during their daily routine in medical settings?

Confidentiality

Which government agency regulates the quality of gloves worn when performing phlebotomy procedures?

FDA

Which of the following is a national organization that sets standards for phlebotomy procedures?

CLSI

During a venipuncture, a patient suddenly becomes dizzy and faints, sliding partway off the chair before being assisted safely to the floor. Which action is most appropriate regarding documentation and reporting?

Complete incident report and document facts

Critical values (test values that are considered life‑threatening) are also known as which of the following terms?

Panic values

What is the primary purpose of continuing education for a phlebotomy technician?

Maintain and update knowledge/skills

What is the most important step in achieving medical asepsis?

Washing hands

A patient coughs into a tissue and then touches the armrest while waiting for a blood draw. What should the phlebotomy technician do next to follow proper respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette?

Perform hand hygiene and offer sanitizer

According to OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, medical personnel must wear PPE when they may come into contact with which of the following?

Blood

While preparing a patient for an examination, the patient states she is nauseous and begins vomiting bright red blood. Which PPE is most appropriate?

Gloves, face shield, gown

Which of the following is an example of a disease requiring droplet isolation?

Pertussis

Which type of contact infection transmission involves transfer of an infecting microbe to mucous membranes by cough or sneeze?

Droplet transmission

Which type of precautions would be used for a patient who has pulmonary tuberculosis?

Airborne precautions

What is the physical removal of blood, mucus, and other debris from instruments using brushes and detergents called?

Cleaning

Which commonly used disinfectant is effective against bloodborne pathogens?

Bleach

Which solution will help prevent the transmission of hepatitis?

Household bleach

Which is the most appropriate method for disposing of a contaminated needle?

Dispose directly into sharps container

What is the first method used to control severe bleeding?

Direct pressure

What is the abbreviation for the virus that causes AIDS?

HIV

Which of the following is true when using a phlebotomy needle that does not have a safety feature?

Use a holder with a safety feature

Which organization originally developed the guidelines for universal precautions?

CDC

A requisition lists the patient as “Maria Lopez,” but the wristband reads “Maria Lopes.” What should the technician do next?

Stop and resolve discrepancy

A hospitalized patient may NOT be identified by which of the following means?

Patient’s chart

After washing hands, putting on PPE, and assembling supplies, what is the next step in obtaining a capillary blood sample?

Identify the patient

What is the difference between NPO and fasting?

Fasting allows water; NPO does not

Which specimens are best for establishing inpatient reference ranges?

Basal state specimens

What is lymphostasis?

Obstruction of lymph flow

A patient reports a latex allergy. What should the technician do before specimen collection?

Use non‑latex equipment

A patient says they faint during blood draws. What is the safest position for venipuncture?

Seated with support or lying down

The most common sites for venipuncture are in which area?

Antecubital area

Which site is most commonly used in venipuncture to withdraw blood?

Median cubital vein

Which of the following veins is NOT an antecubital vein?

Femoral

What must the clinical medical assistant do in preparation for a venipuncture or capillary stick?

Allow alcohol to air‑dry

A phlebotomy tourniquet should never be left on for more than how long?

1 minute

Hemoconcentration from prolonged tourniquet application increases which of the following?

Non‑filterable analytes

If the tourniquet is applied for longer than three minutes, which analyte will most likely become falsely elevated?

Potassium

What effect does warming the site have on venipuncture?

Increases localized blood flow

What is venous stasis?

Stoppage of venous blood flow

How does heparin prevent blood from clotting?

Inactivates thrombin

What is the purpose of an antiglycolytic agent?

Preserves glucose

Blood collected in an EDTA tube is used for what kind of testing?

Hematology tests

Which stopper color identifies a tube used for coagulation testing?

Light blue

Which choice would result in lipemia?

High fat content in blood

When would using a butterfly needle be beneficial?

Geriatric patients

Which needle gauge has the largest lumen?

18 gauge

Where is the most common capillary puncture site on an adult?

Ring finger

Guides used to monitor all aspects of patient care are known as which of the following terms?

QA indicators

How often should quality control tests be done for procedures performed in the office?

Daily

Which statement best uses patient‑centered language during venipuncture?

“I’m going to clean your arm and you’ll feel a quick stick.”

A tube containing heparin is collected between which two other tubes?

Between serum tube and EDTA tube

Which tubes must be first in the order of draw?

Blood culture tubes

To prevent additive cross‑contamination, which tube should be drawn first?

Light blue

Which statement best describes correct fasting specimen preparation?

No food or drinks except water

A single order administered immediately in emergencies is known as which term?

STAT order

Which test may require chain‑of‑custody documentation?

Drug screen

Which item is unnecessary when performing a routine venipuncture?

Sterile gloves

What angle should your needle position be in to perform venipuncture?

15° bevel up

When would a capillary blood sample be diluted with tissue fluid?

When finger is squeezed excessively

Which step is NOT appropriate when performing a capillary puncture?

Placing a tourniquet around the finger

What is the principal reason for bracing the hand holding the needle assembly?

Prevent excess needle movement

What is the primary purpose for anchoring a vein?

Prevent rolling

Small red spots on a patient’s skin due to blood‑clotting abnormalities are referred to as what?

Petechiae

Which term refers to the control of bleeding?

Hemostasis

You must draw a protime specimen from a patient with IVs in both arms. Where should you draw?

Below an IV

A patient has an active IV in the left arm and the right arm is unavailable. Where should you draw?

Distal to IV site

Which hormone is detected in positive urine pregnancy tests?

HCG

Which step is correct when collecting a capillary blood specimen for POC glucose testing?

Wipe away first drop

Which of the following is an abnormal finding in the blood?

Bacteria

Which test requires strict skin antisepsis before specimen collection?

Blood culture

A light blue‑top tube filled only halfway—what should the technician do?

Discard and recollect

A urine C&S is typically ordered to detect what?

UTI

Which instruction is most appropriate when collecting a sputum specimen?

Deep breath, cough deeply to bring up mucus

What can you do to lower the risk of bruising after venipuncture?

Apply pressure

Why should a laboratory report form state that a specimen was collected by capillary puncture?

Results vary by specimen source

What is the normal respiratory rate range for adults?

12–20 per minute

What word describes the breakdown of red blood cells?

Hemolysis

A decrease in plasma volume with increased concentration of cells is referred to as what?

Hemoconcentration

Which type of blood cell is responsible for defense and immunity?

White blood cells

The liquid portion of a blood specimen (without anticoagulant) is known as what?

Serum

What is the best way to prepare routine blood specimen tubes for transportation to an off‑site lab?

Seal tubes in plastic bags

Which fluid is obtained by lumbar puncture?

Cerebrospinal fluid

Which specimen is least likely to require special handling?

Cholesterol

Which would be a pre‑analytical error related to specimen storage?

Exposure to light

Which best describes the type of analysis used when processing blood for transfusions?

Immunohematological

Which test is most likely used to test for inflammation, infectious disease, and malignant neoplasms?

ESR

A light blue‑top tube for PT/INR should be delivered to which laboratory department?

Coagulation department