Phlebotomy Exam Quiz: MCQ!

HIV causes AIDS. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which attacks the immune system and weakens it over time. This weakening of the immune system makes individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases, leading to the development of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), CMV (Cytomegalovirus), and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) are not known to cause AIDS.

All healthcare personnel should maintain sterility when handling IV supplies, catheters, and instruments because bacteria and other microorganisms can be found anywhere. This is important to prevent the spread of infections and maintain the safety of patients. By ensuring that these items are handled in a sterile manner, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of contamination and maintain a clean and safe healthcare environment.

Hematology is the study of blood, including its structure, function, and disorders. It involves the examination of blood cells, blood clotting, blood diseases, and blood transfusion. This field of study helps in diagnosing and treating various blood-related diseases and disorders. Hematoxins are substances that are toxic to blood cells, hemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, and hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells. However, none of these options specifically refer to the study of blood like hematology does.

Washing hands is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection while performing phlebotomy. This is because hands come into direct contact with patients' blood and bodily fluids, which may contain harmful pathogens. Proper hand hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers, helps to remove these pathogens and reduce the risk of transmission. Wearing a mask, cleaning spills, and burning waste are also important infection control measures, but they are not as crucial as washing hands in preventing the spread of infection during phlebotomy.

After drawing blood from a patient, the phlebotomist should dispose of the needle by depositing it in an approved "sharps container". This is the correct answer because sharps containers are specifically designed to safely store and dispose of used needles. By depositing the needle in a sharps container, the phlebotomist ensures that the needle is properly contained and cannot cause harm to anyone else. This method of disposal also follows proper medical waste management protocols to prevent the spread of infections and maintain a safe and clean healthcare environment.

The heart, lymphatic organs, and blood vessels are all part of the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system is responsible for the circulation of blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removing waste products. The heart acts as the central pump, while the blood vessels transport the blood. The lymphatic organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, are also part of this system as they play a role in immune function and the production of lymphocytes. Therefore, the cardiovascular system is the correct answer.

Blood is the single most common source of HIV and HBV in the workplace because these viruses are primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. Unlike semen, saliva, or pleural fluid, which may contain low levels of the viruses, blood is a high-risk fluid for transmission. Occupational exposure to blood, such as through needlestick injuries or contact with broken skin, poses the greatest risk of infection with HIV and HBV in the workplace.

Red and white blood cell counts are examples of tests that are performed in the field of hematology. Hematology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study of blood and blood disorders. It involves the examination of blood cells, including red and white blood cells, to diagnose and monitor various conditions such as anemia, infections, and leukemia. Therefore, hematology is the correct answer in this case.

Sphygmomanometers are not an infection control method because they are medical devices used to measure blood pressure, not to prevent or control the spread of infections. Protective clothing, biohazard containers, and hand washing are all infection control methods commonly used in healthcare settings to minimize the risk of spreading infections.

Anticoagulants are chemicals that prevent blood from clotting. They are used to treat and prevent blood clots, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal. By inhibiting the clotting process, anticoagulants help to maintain the flow of blood throughout the body and prevent the formation of clots in blood vessels. These substances are commonly used in medical settings, such as during surgeries or in the treatment of conditions like deep vein thrombosis or atrial fibrillation. Therefore, anticoagulants accurately describe chemicals that prevent blood from clotting.

A tube adapter that has been visibly contaminated with blood should be disposed of in a biohazardous waste container because blood is considered a biohazardous material. This container is specifically designed to safely store and dispose of materials that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. Disposing of the contaminated adapter in a biohazardous waste container ensures proper containment and prevents any potential spread of infection or contamination.

When entering a room marked with isolation signs, it is important to read the isolation signs to determine what personal protective equipment (PPE) is appropriate. This is necessary to ensure the safety of oneself and others in the room. Asking a nurse if gown, mask, or gloves are needed is also a valid option, but reading the isolation signs is a more direct and immediate way to gather the necessary information. Asking the patient what the nurses wear may not provide accurate information as the patient may not be aware of the specific PPE requirements. Going in without taking precautions, as short visits in isolation do not matter, is not a safe approach as it disregards the potential risks involved.

Contamination refers to the process of making an object or area unclean. It involves the introduction of harmful or unwanted substances, such as dirt, germs, or pollutants, into a previously clean or sterile environment. This can occur through various means, such as direct contact, airborne particles, or contaminated surfaces. Contamination can have adverse effects on health, safety, and the overall quality of the affected object or area.

Negligence by a professional person refers to the failure to exercise the level of care, skill, or diligence that is expected in their profession. This term is commonly known as malpractice. Malpractice typically applies to professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or accountants, who may be held liable for damages caused by their negligent actions or omissions in the course of their professional duties.

The phlebotomist must manually label a blood collection tube from an outpatient with the patient's full name and phlebotomist initials, date of the patient's birth and/or social security number, and the date and time of draw. This information is necessary to ensure proper identification and tracking of the blood sample, as well as to maintain accurate records for future reference or analysis.

Invasion of privacy refers to the violation of an individual's right to keep their personal information, such as their name, photograph, or private affairs, confidential and not made public without their consent. This can include unauthorized use or disclosure of personal information, intrusion into someone's private space or personal life, and publicizing private information without permission. It is a breach of an individual's right to privacy and can have legal consequences.

The correct answer is "all of the above." When using evacuated tubes for blood collection, it is crucial to remember to never under fill tubes that contain anticoagulant, never use tubes past their stated expiration date, and immediately invert any tubes that contain additives. This ensures accurate and reliable blood collection and prevents any potential errors or contamination.

The correct answer is quality assurance. Quality assurance refers to the systematic processes and procedures implemented in healthcare to ensure that all evaluated services and results meet the acceptable standards. It involves monitoring and evaluating the quality of care provided, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing measures to enhance the overall quality of healthcare services. By using quality assurance principles, healthcare organizations strive to deliver safe and effective care to patients.

Safe working conditions for employees are regulated by OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA is a federal agency that sets and enforces standards to ensure that employers provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. They establish guidelines for things like hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and workplace safety training. OSHA also conducts inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with these standards and can issue fines or penalties for violations. Overall, OSHA plays a crucial role in protecting the well-being of workers and promoting safe working conditions.

Normal serum is typically straw to yellow in color. This is because serum is the liquid portion of blood that remains after the removal of blood cells and clotting factors. The yellow color is due to the presence of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. The color can vary slightly depending on the individual's hydration status and diet, but generally, a straw to yellow color is considered normal.

Sweat is not known to transmit HIV because the virus is not present in sufficient quantities in sweat to cause transmission. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Vaginal secretions, breast milk, and semen can all contain high levels of the virus and can transmit HIV if proper precautions are not taken.

Infections that can be spread from person to person are called communicable. This term refers to diseases or illnesses that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an infected individual. It includes various modes of transmission such as respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces. Communicable diseases can range from common colds and influenza to more serious infections like tuberculosis and COVID-19. The term "communicable" emphasizes the ability of these infections to be easily passed from one person to another, highlighting the importance of preventive measures and public health interventions to control their spread.

Diastolic pressure refers to the bottom number of blood pressure readings. It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This measurement indicates the resistance of blood flow in the arteries and is an important indicator of cardiovascular health.

Antibiotics are drugs that are used to destroy or kill bacteria that cause disease. They are specifically designed to target and eliminate bacteria, helping to treat infections and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria in the body. Disinfectants, germicides, and sterilizers are also used to kill bacteria, but they are typically used on surfaces or objects rather than being administered internally to the body like antibiotics.

During the contraction phase of the heart, called systole, blood is forcefully pumped out of the heart into the arteries. This force creates the highest pressure in the arteries, known as systolic pressure. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, refers to the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between contractions. "Heart pressure" and "arterial pressure" are not specific terms used to describe the pressure during contraction.

OSHA requires training and educational information on bloodborne pathogens to be given to employees at no cost. This means that employers are obligated to provide this training and information without charging any fees to their employees. This requirement ensures that employees have access to the necessary knowledge and resources to protect themselves from potential hazards related to bloodborne pathogens without any financial burden.

Capillary blood sampling may be used if the laboratory tests require very little blood. This is because capillary blood can be easily obtained by pricking the skin with a lancet and collecting a small amount of blood from the capillaries just below the skin's surface. This method is commonly used for tests that require a small sample size, such as glucose monitoring or certain point-of-care tests. It is less invasive and more convenient than venous blood sampling, which requires drawing blood from a vein using a needle and syringe.

Eating and drinking in a laboratory setting can introduce contaminants and pose safety risks. Therefore, it is important to restrict these activities to designated clean areas where the risk of contamination is minimized. This helps maintain a clean and safe environment for conducting experiments and handling sensitive materials.

An unbalanced centrifuge can cause tube breakage during centrifugation. When the centrifuge is not properly balanced, the tubes can experience uneven forces, leading to breakage. This can occur if the tubes are not evenly distributed or if there is a significant weight difference between the tubes. The centrifuge should be balanced before starting the centrifugation process to prevent this issue.

Epithelial tissue is the correct answer because it is responsible for covering and protecting the body. Epithelial tissue forms the outer layer of the skin and lines the body's cavities and organs, providing a protective barrier against external factors such as pathogens, chemicals, and physical damage. It also plays a role in absorption, secretion, and sensory perception. Connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nerve tissue have different functions and do not primarily serve the purpose of covering and protecting the body.

Treating all specimens as if they are hazardous and infections is the basis for universal precautions. Universal precautions refer to the practice of treating all patients and specimens as potentially infectious, regardless of their actual infection status. This approach ensures that healthcare workers take necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens and protect themselves and others from potential infections. It includes measures such as hand hygiene, wearing personal protective equipment, and proper disposal of contaminated materials.

The blue tube top is used when sodium citrate is added as an additive. Sodium citrate is commonly used as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes, and the blue top tube is specifically designed for coagulation tests. The blue color helps to differentiate it from other tubes and ensures that the correct additive is used for the specific test.

Capillaries are small blood vessels that connect arterioles (small arteries) with venules (small veins). They have thin walls, which allow for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues. Capillaries also form a vast network of microscopic pathways throughout the body, ensuring that every cell is supplied with blood. Therefore, all of the given characteristics - being thin-walled, forming microscopic pathways, and connecting arterioles with venules - are true for capillaries.

Bioethics is the correct answer because it refers to the branch of study that deals with moral issues and questions that arise in the field of medicine and biomedical research. It involves considering the ethical implications of medical practices, research, and policies, and making informed decisions based on moral principles and values. Philosophy, litigation, and morals are not specific enough to encompass the specialized field of study that bioethics represents.

The venipuncture site should be cleansed in a circular motion from the center to the periphery in order to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection. Starting from the center and moving outward helps to prevent contamination of the site by removing any potential pathogens or debris away from the puncture site. This technique is commonly used to maintain aseptic conditions during venipuncture procedures.

Sterilization is the correct answer because it refers to the process of completely eliminating all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores. This is achieved through the use of chemical procedures or physical methods that ensure the destruction or removal of all microorganisms, making the object or environment completely free from any viable microorganisms. Disinfection, on the other hand, refers to the reduction of microbial populations to a level that is considered safe for public health, while detoxification and acid washing are unrelated terms in this context.

Assumption of risk refers to the consent to treatment given by a patient who fully understands and accepts all the potential risks and unpreventable outcomes associated with the treatment. It implies that the patient is aware of the possible negative consequences but still agrees to proceed with the treatment. This concept is often used in medical malpractice cases where the patient's informed consent is a crucial factor in determining liability.

The term asepsis literally means without bacteria. Asepsis refers to the absence of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, that can cause infection. It is a state of cleanliness and sterility, often achieved through various medical techniques and practices, to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens in a medical setting. The term "asepsis" is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning without, and "sepsis" meaning infection.

The correct answer is red because a red top tube is used for collecting blood samples for serum testing. The tube contains a clot activator and a gel separator, which helps in separating the serum from the blood cells after centrifugation. This allows for the accurate measurement of various analytes present in the serum.

OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, legally enforces the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. OSHA is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees in the United States. The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard is a set of regulations designed to protect workers from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and Hepatitis B. OSHA's role is to enforce compliance with these regulations, conducting inspections and issuing citations if necessary to ensure employers are taking proper precautions to protect their employees from potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

The concept of "reasonable care" refers to the legal standard that determines whether a person has acted responsibly and prudently in a given situation. In the context of a health care worker, it means that they are protected by law if they can demonstrate that their actions were in line with what would be expected from their peers in similar circumstances. This standard allows for a fair assessment of their performance and ensures that they are not held liable for any unforeseen outcomes as long as they acted reasonably and responsibly.

Common symptoms of shock include pale skin, increased shallow breathing rate, and a weak pulse. However, temperature is not typically considered a symptom of shock. While shock can cause a decrease in body temperature, it is not a universally observed symptom and therefore not included in the list of common symptoms.

A pliable strap is a type of tourniquet used in specimen collection. It is commonly used to apply pressure to a limb, restricting blood flow and making it easier to locate and access veins for blood collection. Velcro and blood pressure cuffs are not specifically designed as tourniquets for specimen collection, although they may be used in emergency situations if a pliable strap is not available. Therefore, the correct answer is "pliable strap".

During an intravenous infusion, it is important not to draw blood because it can interfere with the flow of fluids and medications into the patient's bloodstream. Drawing blood during the infusion can cause the medication to be diluted or interrupted, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid drawing blood during the infusion process.

Incompetence refers to a lack of ability or skill in performing a task or fulfilling a responsibility. Lack of physical or mental fitness can lead to an individual being unable to perform their duties effectively or efficiently, indicating a lack of competence. Therefore, incompetence is a suitable answer in this context.

Within the capillaries, blood cells give away oxygen to the surrounding tissues. This process is known as oxygenation. Oxygen-rich blood is delivered to the capillaries by arteries, and as it flows through the capillaries, oxygen diffuses from the blood cells into the surrounding tissues. This is essential for providing oxygen to cells and organs throughout the body.

The presence of an IV in the opposite arm would prevent a phlebotomist from drawing blood from a patient's vein. This is because the IV may interfere with the blood flow or cause complications if the phlebotomist attempts to draw blood from the same arm. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid drawing blood from the arm with an IV to ensure patient safety and prevent any potential harm.

Arterioles, which are the smallest arteries, subdivide into venules. Venules are small blood vessels that collect blood from the capillaries and carry it back to the veins. This allows for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients in the capillaries and the return of deoxygenated blood back to the heart through the venous system. Therefore, venules are the correct answer as they are the next vessels in the sequence after arterioles.

The tube to collect whole blood with an EDTA additive in it has a lavender  stopper. This is because EDTA is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting.

The rubber sleeve (at the end opposite the needle tip) on an evacuated tube needle makes it possible for use with multiple tubes. The rubber sleeve acts as a sheath that covers the rear end of the needle, providing a secure connection with the blood collection tubes. This design enables the phlebotomist to collect multiple tubes of blood during a single venipuncture, reducing discomfort for the patient and making the process more efficient.