Phlebotomy Certification

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Sample questions from Phlebotomy Certification

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.In a hospital laboratory, a 22-year-old client has an order for a complete blood count and a coagulation panel. Which collection sequence is appropriate when using evacuated tubes?

   • A.Serum, blood cultures, lavender, light blue, gray, green
   • B.Blood cultures, light blue, serum, green, lavender, gray
   • C.Lavender, light blue, green, serum, blood cultures, gray
   • D.Light blue, lavender, serum, blood cultures, gray, green

   Rationale: The standard order of draw is blood cultures, light blue, serum tubes, heparin tubes, EDTA tubes, and glycolytic inhibitor tubes. This order minimizes additive carryover that could alter test results. The other sequences place additive-containing tubes ahead of tubes that are more vulnerable to contamination.

2. 2.During outpatient preoperative testing, a 47-year-old client has orders for a CBC and a type and screen. Which action best prevents a wrong-blood-in-tube error?

   • A.Label the tubes at the nurses' station using the printed requisition
   • B.Use the room number and diagnosis to confirm the client's identity
   • C.Ask the client to state their full name and date of birth, then match both identifiers to the wristband and labels
   • D.Ask the client to confirm the name printed on the labels after collection

   Rationale: The collector should use two approved identifiers and label specimens in the client's presence immediately after collection. Asking the client to confirm a label after collection does not establish that the tube was collected from the right person. Room number and diagnosis are not acceptable identifiers, and labeling away from the bedside creates mix-up risk.

3. 3.Refer to the client's chart. Which action should the nurse take first regarding the specimen collection plan?

   • A.Ask the laboratory whether the scheduled collection can be moved to the ordered fasting time
   • B.Offer a snack and collect the specimens after the client eats
   • C.Collect the lipid panel now because the client is already in the clinic
   • D.Cancel the tests because the client has not fasted overnight

   Rationale: The chart documents that the client ate at 0700 and that the lipid panel is ordered fasting for 1200; the collector should clarify timing with the laboratory or prescriber rather than collect an improperly timed specimen. Collecting now would not meet the documented fasting plan. Feeding the client or canceling the tests independently would also conflict with the order and require clarification.

4. 4.At a community collection center, a 54-year-old client with difficult venous access is scheduled for routine blood work. Which actions support safe, effective vein selection? Select all that apply.

   • A.Avoid an arm with a dialysis fistula
   • B.Choose a vein that feels resilient and is well anchored
   • C.Inspect and palpate both arms before selecting a site
   • D.Use the arm with an active infusion without notifying the care team
   • E.Select a site over an area of hematoma because the vein is visible

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A provider prescribes a peak medication level for a 63-year-old inpatient receiving an intravenous antibiotic every 8 hours. Which action should the nurse take?

   • A.Collect the specimen 30 minutes after the dose without checking the medication protocol
   • B.Ask the client to return the next day for a fasting specimen
   • C.Draw the specimen immediately before the next dose in every case
   • D.Verify the medication-specific timing with the laboratory or pharmacist and coordinate collection accordingly

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.