Phlebotomy Exam MCQ: Quiz!

1. Characteristics of capillaries include:

Having thin-walls

Forming microscopic phatways

Connecting arterioles with venules

All of the above

Capillaries have thin walls, forming microscopic pathways that connect arterioles with venules. These characteristics allow for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues. The thin walls of capillaries facilitate the diffusion of substances, while their microscopic size enables them to reach even the smallest tissues and organs. Connecting arterioles with venules, capillaries play a crucial role in maintaining proper blood flow and regulating blood pressure. Therefore, all of the given options accurately describe the characteristics of capillaries.

Explanation

Capillaries have thin walls, forming microscopic pathways that connect arterioles with venules. These characteristics allow for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues. The thin walls of capillaries facilitate the diffusion of substances, while their microscopic size enables them to reach even the smallest tissues and organs. Connecting arterioles with venules, capillaries play a crucial role in maintaining proper blood flow and regulating blood pressure. Therefore, all of the given options accurately describe the characteristics of capillaries.

2. What is a normal blood potassium level?

6.2 mEq/L–7.5 mEq/L

3.5 mEq/L5.0 mEq/L

7.5 mEq/L–9 mEq/L

1.4 mEq/L–3.5 mEq/L

A normal blood potassium is between 3.5 mEq/L and 5.0 mEq/L. Numbers outside of this range can have a serious negative impact on the body.

Explanation

A normal blood potassium is between 3.5 mEq/L and 5.0 mEq/L. Numbers outside of this range can have a serious negative impact on the body.

3. The Smallest Veins in the human body are known as:

Villi

Bronchiole

Venules

Lymph glands

Venules are the smallest veins in the human body. Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Venules are even smaller than veins and are responsible for collecting blood from capillaries and transporting it to larger veins. They have thin walls and are located in various tissues and organs throughout the body. Venules play a crucial role in the circulatory system by facilitating the return of blood to the heart and maintaining proper blood flow.

Explanation

Venules are the smallest veins in the human body. Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Venules are even smaller than veins and are responsible for collecting blood from capillaries and transporting it to larger veins. They have thin walls and are located in various tissues and organs throughout the body. Venules play a crucial role in the circulatory system by facilitating the return of blood to the heart and maintaining proper blood flow.

4. Capillary blood collection would not be appropriate for which patient type?

Patients who are extremely obese

Infants

Patients who are severely dehydrated

Patients with veins that are difficult to access

Capillary blood collection is appropriate for every patient type listed except for severely dehydrated patients. Capillary blood collection is the preferred method for blood specimen collection in infants and children.

Explanation

Capillary blood collection is appropriate for every patient type listed except for severely dehydrated patients. Capillary blood collection is the preferred method for blood specimen collection in infants and children.

5. Which of the following conditions may complicate tourniquet use?

Addison’s disease

Thyroid tumor

Cushing Sydrome

Sickle Cell disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that affects the hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Explanation

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that affects the hemoglobin in red blood cells.

6. The aorta Branches into Smaller divisions called arteries, which in turn branch into even smaller divisions called?

Capillaries

Arterioles

Venules

Lymph glands

The aorta branches into smaller divisions called arteries, which then further divide into even smaller divisions called arterioles. Arterioles are small blood vessels that regulate blood flow and control the amount of blood that enters the capillaries. They play a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and distributing oxygenated blood to various tissues and organs.

Explanation

The aorta branches into smaller divisions called arteries, which then further divide into even smaller divisions called arterioles. Arterioles are small blood vessels that regulate blood flow and control the amount of blood that enters the capillaries. They play a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and distributing oxygenated blood to various tissues and organs.

7. A patient reports an iodine allergy. To be safe, which of the following solutions would you avoid when cleansing his skin for a blood draw?

Alcohol

Hibiclens

Chloraprep

Betadine

Betadine contains between 9% and 12% iodine, and therefore should be avoided in those with an iodine allergy.

Explanation

Betadine contains between 9% and 12% iodine, and therefore should be avoided in those with an iodine allergy.

8. What is the maximum recommended puncture depth when performing a heel stick on an infant?

0.5 mm

1 mm

3 mm

2 mm

A needle stick depth of 2 mm is sufficient to obtain a blood sample but also should not damage nerves or bone. The sample should always be obtained from the flat bottom surface of the heel and not toward the calcaneus.

Explanation

A needle stick depth of 2 mm is sufficient to obtain a blood sample but also should not damage nerves or bone. The sample should always be obtained from the flat bottom surface of the heel and not toward the calcaneus.

9. You are doing a venipuncture on a patient's arm. Where should you place the tourniquet?

Place it at the puncture site.

Place it below the puncture site.

Place it above the puncture site.

A tourniquet is not advised for this procedure.

A tourniquet applied above the puncture site will help increase venous pressure in the area where the blood will be obtained. Increased venous pressure makes the veins easier to see and feel, and increases the odds of collecting a specimen on the first try.

Explanation

A tourniquet applied above the puncture site will help increase venous pressure in the area where the blood will be obtained. Increased venous pressure makes the veins easier to see and feel, and increases the odds of collecting a specimen on the first try.

10. The forearm vein most commonly used for venipuncture is the:

Median cubital

Basilic

Cephalic

Radial

The forearm vein most commonly used for venipuncture is the radial vein. This vein is located on the thumb side of the forearm and is often chosen for venipuncture due to its accessibility and ease of use. It is less prone to rolling or moving during the procedure, making it a preferred option for drawing blood or administering intravenous medications. Additionally, the radial vein is less likely to cause complications such as nerve damage or arterial puncture compared to other forearm veins.

Explanation

The forearm vein most commonly used for venipuncture is the radial vein. This vein is located on the thumb side of the forearm and is often chosen for venipuncture due to its accessibility and ease of use. It is less prone to rolling or moving during the procedure, making it a preferred option for drawing blood or administering intravenous medications. Additionally, the radial vein is less likely to cause complications such as nerve damage or arterial puncture compared to other forearm veins.