Chapter 1
What does HIPAA stand for?
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Where is the antecubital fossa located, and what are the three main veins found in this area?
The antecubital fossa is the area on the inside/front of the elbow. The three main veins are the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins.
A phlebotomist accidentally gets blood on their gloves while working with a patient. Which type of hazard is this? A. Chemical hazard B. Biological hazard C. Physical hazard D. Electrical hazard
B. Biological hazard
Before beginning a venipuncture, what should you do to make sure you have the correct patient and the correct test order?
Verify the patient’s identity, test order, and consent before beginning the procedure.
Which of the following can make a venipuncture more difficult?
A. Bruising B. Scar tissue C. A drawing on the wall D. A and B
D. A & B
What are two examples of proper professional attire or grooming for a phlebotomist?
Clean scrubs/uniform and good personal hygiene.
After the liquid portion of whole blood is separated from the blood cells, what are the three main components you would see?
Plasma, the buffy coat, and red blood cells.
According to OSHA laboratory safety rules, what should a phlebotomist do with a used needle after completing a blood draw?
Immediately place it in an approved sharps container (AFTER CAPPING).
You are setting up your supplies and accidentally drop an item on the floor. Can you still use it if it looks clean? What should you do instead?
No. Do not use it; replace it with a new, clean supply.
What are three reasons why attempting to draw blood from a sleeping patient is not allowed?
Patient must be properly identified, patient must give consent, touching a patient without consent is considered battery.
What are three examples of information that can be considered protected health information under HIPAA?
A patient’s name, medical record/health information, and date of birth.
Blood normally has a pH between 7.35 and 7.45. What happens when the blood pH drops below this range, and what happens when it rises above this range?
A pH below 7.35 is called acidosis, meaning the blood is too acidic. A pH above 7.45 is called alkalosis, meaning the blood is too alkaline (basic).
What is the recommended bleach-to-water ratio for disinfecting a blood spill?
1:10.
One part bleach to ten parts water.
Why should collection tubes never be labeled before collecting the specimen, and when should they be labeled?
Prelabeling can lead to patient identification and specimen errors. Tubes should be labeled immediately after collection, in the patient’s presence, according to policy.
A patient's vein feels like it is moving away when you try to insert the needle. What type of vein is this, and what can a phlebotomist do to help stabilize it?
A rolling vein; the phlebotomist can anchor the vein by gently pulling the skin below the insertion site.
Who is OSHA, and what is its role in protecting healthcare workers in the workplace?
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They help keep healthcare workers safe by setting rules and standards for workplace safety.
What is the maximum amount of blood that can safely be withdrawn from an adult's body within a 24-hour period?
1–5% of the body's total blood volume.
A phlebotomist needs to put on PPE before entering an area where they could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials. What is the correct order for DONNING PPE?
1. Gown → 2. Mask → 3. Goggles or face shield → 4. Gloves.
What are the proper steps a phlebotomist should follow to perform a safe and successful venipuncture, from preparing the patient and supplies to finishing the procedure?
Identify the patient, explain the procedure and get consent, gather supplies, apply the tourniquet, choose and clean the site, draw the blood, remove and dispose of the needle, label the tubes, and make sure the patient is okay.
A patient suddenly becomes pale, weak, and says they feel like they are going to pass out during the blood draw. What is this condition called, and what is happening to the patient's body?
Syncope (fainting); the patient's heart rate and blood pressure drop, causing them to lose consciousness.
What are the five types of unlawful actions a phlebotomist should be aware of in the healthcare setting? (Ex. hint, one of them is libel).
Assault, battery, libel, negligence, and slander.
What are the four major blood groups based on A and B antigens, and what serious reaction can occur if incompatible blood is transfused?
A has A antigen, B has B antigen, AB has both, and O has neither. An incompatible transfusion can cause agglutination, where red blood cells clump together and can cause a serious reaction.
After finishing a procedure involving possible exposure to blood, a phlebotomist needs to remove their PPE without contaminating themselves. What is the correct order for DOFFING PPE?
1. Gloves → 2. Goggles or face shield → 3. Gown → 4. Mask.
After collecting a tube containing an additive, a new phlebotomist leaves it sitting on the tray without mixing it. Why should additive tubes be mixed after collection, and what could happen if they aren't?
Tubes should be gently inverted to mix the blood with the additive. If they aren't mixed properly, the specimen can clot or become unsuitable for testing, which can affect the results.
A pediatric patient weighs 4 kg. According to the chapter's pediatric blood-draw limits, what is the maximum amount of blood that can be collected?
8 mL