Browse all practice questions for the NPS Phlebotomy Practice Exam. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

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  • Which item is routinely used PPE during phlebotomy for every draw?
  • Capillary blood testing often presents which challenge when compared to venous blood?
  • Which sample is used to evaluate gas exchange and acid-base status?
  • Rolling veins tend to be present mostly in which patients?
  • Capillary blood is composed of which combination?
  • A plan a healthcare institution must create to ensure that they meet OSHA regulations.
  • If lavender EDTA is drawn before SST tube, calcium values would test lower than accurate. Which option best represents this statement?
  • A nosocomial infection resulting from poor technique is an example of which type of harm?
  • Which top color is used for a glucose-related test such as a glucose tolerance test?
  • Which of the following is NOT typically a pre-analytical error source?
  • Which site is commonly used for capillary collection in infants, and what is a typical pre-collection step?
  • What is the typical needle angle for venipuncture during entry?
  • Compare venipuncture and capillary puncture in terms of sample type, volume, and typical tests.
  • During the Simplate Bleeding Time Test, the blood pressure cuff is inflated to how many millimeters of mercury?
  • A stress response that can trigger the constriction of arteries, slowing blood flow through the body is called which?
  • What is the fasting requirement for a lipid panel, and why is fasting important?
  • What term describes groups of tests performed at one time from a single venipuncture?
  • Which color-top tube is typically used for plasma chemistry tests requiring rapid plasma separation, and what additive does it contain?
  • What additive do light blue topped tubes hold?
  • How long should IV therapy be off before performing a blood draw?
  • Which process involves coordinating lab, pharmacy, and nursing to maintain drug levels within a target range?
  • How long should pressure be applied to a venipuncture site?
  • What is the immediate action to take when a specimen is found to be mislabeled before testing can proceed?
  • What does CLIA regulate, and how does it relate to phlebotomy practice?
  • Where can a skin puncture be performed?
  • When is eye/face protection recommended during phlebotomy?
  • Which additive do PST tubes contain to aid plasma separation?
  • Ketones can evaporate in cooler temperatures.
  • Which analyte is sensitive to light and should be protected from light during storage?
  • Lavender-top tubes with EDTA serve what primary function in hematology testing?
  • Which of the following is a common pre-analytical error source?
  • The dermal subcutaneous junction depth is exactly 1.6 millimeters into the tissue. Which option reflects this measurement?
  • Newborns have a blood volume of which range?
  • ________ are small bean-shaped structures that filter substances and fight infection in the body.
  • A hormone made in the pancreas that helps the body use sugar as a source of energy.
  • Which blood vessels carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart?
  • When collecting blood cultures, what is the correct sequence relative to other tubes, and why?
  • When hemolysis occurs, the sample color changes to what?
  • During blood culture collection, which method uses standard vacuum tubes that contain the growth medium?
  • The claim that EDTA in a green-top tube can cause a falsely low reading for electrolyte testing is true.
  • Direct Transmission is exemplified by which scenario?
  • Corticosteroids could constitute a variance if taken prior to a GTT.
  • Capillary collection in infants is commonly used for which purpose, and why?
  • In the order of collection for capillary draws, which sample should be drawn first?
  • Which vein is commonly used for venipuncture in obese patients to obtain best results?
  • Which statement about ketones is true?
  • The distal phalanx refers to which part?
  • Which statement about bilirubin handling is correct?
  • What is the proper action if a sample is collected with incorrect labeling?
  • To perform the Allen Test, pressure should be applied to which arteries?
  • The fluid to cellular ratio of blood is what to what, respectively?
  • Finger sticks should never be performed on a child younger than _________.
  • Why is applying pressure with gauze for several minutes after needle withdrawal important?
  • Which document describes the method to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens in a healthcare setting?
  • Which practice helps minimize tissue fluid contamination in capillary blood samples?
  • Which anticoagulant is generally used in coagulation testing and preparing citrated plasma?
  • Which additive in lavender-top tubes is commonly used for hematology testing?
  • If you're conducting a blood culture on a healthy adult male, you will pull __ cc of blood into each bottle
  • Which vessels carry deoxygenated blood to the heart?
  • In phlebotomy, what does chain of custody refer to, and when is it relevant?
  • The accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body is known as
  • A phlebotomist who does not follow the institution's Standard of Care is best described as exhibiting which of the following?
  • Describe the proper handling of a fluoride/oxalate (gray-top) tube used for glucose testing.
  • Which analyte is most sensitive to prolonged tourniquet application, leading to falsely elevated values?
  • What does QA stand for in the phlebotomy context, and what is its purpose?
  • Which patient education points should you communicate before a venipuncture?
  • Which term describes testing to ensure medications remain within a therapeutic range?
  • The statement 'lavender EDTA tubes binding calcium could cause falsely low calcium values if drawn before an SST tube' is:
  • Which therapy is described as placing radioactive materials inside the body to treat cancer?
  • When venipuncture attempts are made, what should be documented?
  • A 6-8 pound baby cannot lose more than _____ mL of blood at any given time.
  • Which test may yield erroneous results after the phlebotomist redirects the needle several times before entering the vein?
  • Why is glycolysis inhibition important in gray-top tubes used for glucose testing?
  • The study and treatment of cancer is known as Oncology.
  • Which term describes professional negligence during medical procedure?
  • Sodium citrate, used in certain coagulation tests, primarily binds which ion?
  • What test is specially coordinated between the lab, pharmacy, and nursing?
  • What is the proper protocol if a specimen is not labeled at the point of collection?
  • Which of the following tests is used to assess coagulation?
  • Which statement correctly pairs a puncture location with the bleeding-time cuff setting for the Simplate Bleeding Time Test?
  • Which color does a hemolyzed blood sample typically appear as in the plasma?
  • A Monovette or Microvette are both _________ in the context of capillary blood collection.
  • The panel that includes an added Thyroxine test is called what?
  • Why is it important to draw blood culture bottles first?
  • If a dialysis patient has a cannula inserted, this should be your primary site for draws.
  • Hitting a nerve during a procedure is malpractice.
  • What is the primary purpose of aseptic technique in phlebotomy?
  • Inverting plain glass tubes can lead to hemolysis.
  • Which color stoppers are replacing lavender-topped tubes?
  • In obese patients, the cephalic vein normally renders the best results.
  • What is the proper practice regarding antiseptic application and drying before venipuncture?
  • Which landmark is referenced when locating the puncture site for the Simplate Bleeding Time Test?
  • This autoimmune disease causes the body to attack the joints, causing inflammation in the patient's tissues.
  • Which phlebotomy practice is most likely to cause erroneous results in coagulation testing?
  • Which field focuses on cancer care?
  • The dermal subcutaneous junction is located ____ mm into the tissue.
  • Describe common signs of a vasovagal reaction during phlebotomy and the recommended initial actions.
  • What is the correct action if you suspect a sample was collected from the wrong patient?
  • Capillary blood is composed of interstitial fluid, intracellular fluids, and arterial and venous blood. Which option expresses this statement as true?
  • Why should EDTA tubes be inverted gently rather than shaken vigorously?
  • Which laboratory test should be drawn first when multiple tests are ordered?
  • What is the correct cuff pressure used during the Simplate Bleeding Time Test?
  • The puncture site distance for the Simplate Bleeding Time Test is measured from the antecubital bend. How far below the bend should it be?
  • Which PPE is specifically recommended when there is a risk of splashes or potential exposure to blood during phlebotomy?
  • The lavender EDTA tube binds calcium; if it's drawn before an SST tube, the calcium values could test lower than accurate. Which of the following statements is true?
  • A fingerstick puncture should be performed on the side or fingertip.
  • Which of the following is NOT a sign of a vasovagal reaction during phlebotomy?
  • A collection tube can lose its vacuum if it stays on the shelf too long.
  • Using a lancet over 2.5mm to 3mm is acceptable when
  • The distal phalanx is the bone at the tip of which body part?
  • What is the recommended policy when multiple venipuncture attempts fail on a patient?
  • What does the 'cold chain' refer to in specimen handling, and why is it important for some tests?
  • Capillary blood is composed of which components?
  • Any disease-causing pathogen carried through the blood
  • In what year was the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) signed into law?
  • When the ratio of the fluid portion of blood to the cellular portion of blood shifts, that is known as
  • Which steps should you take after a needlestick injury in the lab?
  • True or False: A collection tube can lose its vacuum if it stays on the shelf too long.
  • Potassium is an additive in which color-topped tube?
  • How can the use of anticoagulants such as warfarin affect phlebotomy practice or results?
  • Failure to perform a procedure in accordance with an institution's Standard of Care is most accurately described as which concept?
  • How many times should a standard EDTA or anticoagulant tube be inverted to mix properly?
  • The first drop of blood should be collected from a heel stick.
  • Which term describes disease-causing pathogens carried through the blood?
  • What term describes placing radioactive materials inside the body to treat cancer?
  • Which statement is true about capillary specimens compared to venous specimens?
  • Without fluoride, glucose will decrease in concentration by what percentage within a single hour?
  • A drop of infected blood transferred via equipment is an example of which transmission?
  • When preparing a site for blood culture using povidone-iodine, the swab should cover a diameter of how many inches?
  • Which tests require protection from light during transport and handling?
  • The maximum one-time blood draw for a 6-8 pound newborn is approximately
  • The coronary risk comprehensive profile test requires fasting for 10 to 12 hours.
  • Monovette or Microvette are described as what in capillary blood collection?
  • A lancet size larger than 3 mm is acceptable for patients with calloused fingers.
  • What is the required time window for inverting blood collection tubes after drawing?
  • Which of the following is a common reason a specimen is rejected due to labeling issues?
  • Exposure time of plasma or serum to cells can affect test results.
  • What should be documented after venipuncture attempts?
  • If you must draw from an arm with an IV line, which approach is recommended?
  • Which test is not part of the blood sugar panel?
  • Which test is part of both the blood sugar panel and the diabetic panel?
  • Why is the pre-analytical phase critical in laboratory testing, and what are common sources of error?
  • Which tube type is typically used to obtain serum for testing after the blood has clotted?
  • When is a butterfly needle preferred, and what patient circumstances justify its use?
  • What color tube is used for a Glucose Tolerance Test?
  • Which tests require protection from light during transport, and what is a common practice to ensure protection?
  • Which items are included on a standard specimen label?
  • Which term describes testing to keep drug levels within a target range?
  • Define hemoconcentration and name tests that can be falsely elevated by it.
  • When performing a finger stick, never puncture the side or tip of the finger
  • Lavender-topped tubes are being replaced by pink stoppers.
  • For the Simplate Bleeding Time Test, where should the puncture site be located relative to the antecubital bend?
  • _________ shields blood from the glass of the collection tube and prevents it from clotting.
  • What is the correct technique for mixing a blood collection tube with anticoagulant, and how many inversions are recommended?
  • What is the correct disposal method for used needles and other sharps?
  • Which test is not part of the blood sugar panel?
  • Which statement is true regarding glucose tolerance testing safety before the test?
  • Which pancreatic hormone promotes uptake of glucose into cells?
  • Which anticoagulant tube allows for both whole blood and plasma testing?
  • Direct Transmission occurs when infection passes directly without proper gloving and hand washing.
  • Which statement describes the correct approach to mixing a blood collection tube with anticoagulant after collection?
  • True or False: A glucose tolerance test can be used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency.
  • Indirect Transmission occurs through which mechanism?
  • Which test is not part of the blood sugar panel?
  • For platelet testing, which color-topped tube is used?
  • Which test is used to evaluate the coagulation cascade and is listed among the choices?
  • What are the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the tissues?
  • If performing a GTT and a patient's fasting sugar is ______ the physician or nurse should be notified before proceeding.
  • What are the risks and considerations of the syringe method for blood collection?
  • Which statement correctly describes the presence of a gel separator in PST tubes?
  • Blood poisoning is otherwise known as
  • During the bleeding time assessment, the cuff pressure is set to which value?
  • What is the normal time to conduct a Simplate Bleeding Time test?
  • Which color-top tube is used for glucose testing with a glycolysis inhibitor?
  • Which term describes swelling due to fluid accumulation in the body's tissues?
  • What are the small red/purple dots that appear on the skin and are flat?
  • How should a persistent hematoma after venipuncture be managed?
  • The incision on a fingerstick should be made ______ to the fingerprints in the distal phalanx.
  • Which color-coded tube is used for coagulation testing?
  • Which term best describes failure to perform a procedure according to the institution's standard of care?
  • If the following labs are ordered, which should be drawn first?
  • Dermal punctures are appropriate to use in all of the following patient scenarios except
  • What is the standard practice for preparing the skin before venipuncture?
  • The vacuum tubes used for blood culture contain what to support microbial growth?
  • In a standard phlebotomy draw where multiple tests are ordered, which specimen is typically drawn first to minimize contamination?
  • Quality Assurance in phlebotomy primarily aims to ensure which of the following?
  • Each micro tube (or bullet) holds _____ cc of blood.
  • What is the recommended policy regarding venipuncture attempts and switching sites?
  • The normal time for a Simplate Bleeding Time test is 2 to 10 minutes.
  • When a coronary risk comprehensive profile has been ordered, you should make sure the patient has been fasting for ________.
  • Which of the following won't contribute to excessive bleeding?
  • A chemical found in many foods and used in products such as aspirin and various pain relievers.
  • When performing a blood culture with povidone-iodine, the area should be swabbed to what diameter?
  • How many seconds after the draw should tubes be inverted?
  • Which statement best describes a laboratory panel?
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