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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

NHA CPT Exam Questions

Page 5 of 50

81.

What are the two parts of a syringe called?

  • Barrel and plunger

  • Syringe and needle

  • Syringe and plunger

  • Barrel and rod

Correct answer: Barrel and plunger

Syringes have two parts: 

  • A barrel, which is a cylinder with graduated markings of either milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cc)
  • A plunger, which is a rodlike device that fits tightly into the barrel. 

To fill the syringe, pull back on the plunger and fluid will flow into the barrel. 

A syringe system is manufactured by a machine in a sterile environment. When the syringe is put together for the first time, the machine does not push the plunger completely into the barrel to prevent the plunger from completely adhering itself to the end of the barrel. To the phlebotomist, this may present as a plunger that is gently stuck to the inside of the barrel. Simply pull the plunger back halfway of the barrel then push the plunger all the way in.

82.

Anyone infected with HBV is also at risk of acquiring which virus?

  • HDV

  • HIV

  • Diabetes

  • HPV

Correct answer: HDV

People infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are at risk of also acquiring the hepatitis D (delta) virus (HDV).

HDV can only multiply in the presence of HBV. 

Hepatitis is a blood-borne virus that targets the liver. "Hepa" means "liver," and "-titis" means "inflammation of."

83.

In which situation is a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator mask required?

  • Entering the room of a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis

  • Entering the room of a patient with active pertussis (whooping cough)

  • Caring for a patient with influenza

  • Caring for a patient with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis

Correct answer: Entering the room of a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis

Healthcare workers must wear a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator mask when entering rooms of patients with pulmonary TB and other diseases known to be transmitted through the air. When worn correctly, with a snug fit and no air leaks, the mask can protect the worker from infection.

Patients with pertussis, influenza ("flu"), and Haemophilus influenzae meningitis should be on droplet precautions, as these infections spread through droplets. A regular mask (non-respirator) is acceptable to prevent transmission in these cases.

84.

What does a skull and crossbones pictogram on a chemical container mean?

  • Fatal or toxic

  • Gas under pressure

  • Skin and eye irritant

  • Explosive

Correct answer: Fatal or toxic

All chemical manufacturers are required to label hazardous chemicals with:

  • A precautionary statement and Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) hazard statement
  • Signal word
  • Pictogram for each hazard class and category

A pictogram of the skull and crossbones means the chemical is acutely toxic and may be fatal or poisonous. 

A pictogram of a gas cylinder means the chemical contains gases under pressure.

A pictogram of an exclamation mark means that the chemical is an irritant to the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract. 

A pictogram of an exploding bomb means that the chemical is explosive or contains self-reactive ingredients or organic peroxides.

85.

Which of the following conditions can cause movement of the hands, making blood collection difficult?

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Diabetes

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Sepsis

Correct answer: Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease can cause tremors and movements of the hands, which can make blood collection difficult. When performing venipuncture on a patient with Parkinson's disease, the phlebotomist may need to take extra time and take extra care to calm the patient. The phlebotomist may also have to help the patient hold the site still. 

Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis do not typically cause tremors. 

86.

You are collecting blood from a young man in an outpatient laboratory. He reports being "allergic to needles" because the last time he had blood taken, he broke out in a rectangular-shaped rash where the band-aid was. He says his skin was red and itchy for a couple of days. He asks if you would use a hypoallergenic needle. 

Which of the following is the best response?

  • Explain that he may have an adhesive allergy and avoid using an adhesive bandage after the draw.

  • Tell him you will use a hypoallergenic needle and proceed with your usual supplies.

  • Cancel the order and notify the doctor.

  • Ask the supervisor for a hypoallergenic needle.

Correct answer: Explain that he may have an adhesive allergy and avoid using an adhesive bandage after the draw.

Allergic reactions to phlebotomy needles are rare. In this case, the patient has described a skin irritation (dermatitis) reaction where the skin was exposed to the band-aid adhesive glue. Therefore, an adhesive allergy is most likely. In response, it is best to explain what an adhesive allergy is and how you can prevent the same symptoms from happening this time. Phlebotomists should always listen for any previous complications a patient has had and address them at the time of blood collection. 

One solution for patients with adhesive allergy is to use a folded gauze square over the site and wrap it with non-adhesive elastic bandaging (e.g., Coban). Another solution, if the patient is capable, is to instruct the patient to apply gentle pressure over the gauze for a few minutes until the bleeding has stopped.

87.

Which of the following services would not be found at a local health department?

  • Physical therapy

  • Diabetes screening

  • STD testing

  • Hepatitis B vaccinations

Correct answer: Physical therapy

Local health departments may provide a variety of services, including education, health screenings, and vaccinations. However, health departments do not offer physical therapy. Physical therapy is typically provided in an inpatient or medical office setting. 

88.

What is the purpose of chilling samples in an ice and water bath?

  • To slow down metabolic processes and preserve sample integrity

  • To speed up the freezing process

  • To increase microorganism metabolism and replication

  • To prevent serum alcohol levels from artificially dropping

Correct answer: To slow down metabolic processes and preserve sample integrity

The chilling of samples is sometimes required to allow for proper testing results. As temperature decreases, so does the metabolic rate of blood products and microorganisms. Freezing samples damages them beyond repair, so this should be avoided.

89.

When considering timed samples, what is a major concern for documentation aside from properly identifying the patient?

  • Making sure the draw time on the tube and on the computer match exactly

  • Ensuring billing information is correct

  • Double-checking the accuracy of the patient address and personal information

  • Ensuring the patient signs the lab paperwork

Correct answer: Making sure the draw time on the tube and on the computer match exactly

While patient information and billing information are important, they are not major considerations when speaking specifically about timed samples. Ensuring that the draw time and the time on the computer (or on the patient's chart) match is critical. Computers that print labels for the blood tubes generally take care of this. However, the phlebotomist will not always have this system available and may have to chart on paper.

90.

What federal program requires tracing and testing of blood donors and recipients when a blood product is potentially contaminated with a bloodborne pathogen?

  • Lookback

  • Traceback

  • Takeback

  • Traceable

Correct answer: Lookback

The Lookback program is a federally-required program that mandates that blood services be able to trace blood back to the donor. In the event that a blood product is discovered to be potentially contaminated, the blood service must notify all recipients of donor products.

91.

What is the usual amount of time for patients to stop bleeding from a venipuncture site after a routine collection?

  • Around 2 minutes

  • Around 20 seconds

  • Around 5 minutes

  • Around 10 minutes

Correct answer: Around 2 minutes

Normally, patients will stop bleeding from the venipuncture site within a few minutes. Some patients, especially those taking aspirin and other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications may take longer to stop bleeding. 

Always maintain pressure over the site until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding continues after 5 minutes, you should notify the appropriate supervisor. 

92.

Edward, a certified phlebotomist, is performing a multi-specimen blood draw on an elderly woman. He has just finished filling the final ETS tube. 

What step must Edward take next to maintain safety for the patient and himself?

  • Disengage the tube from the holder and mix it

  • Keep the tube in place while removing the needle to minimize movement

  • Simultaneously remove the needle and the tube to speed up the process

  • Remove the needle from her arm and activate the safety feature

Correct answer: Disengage the tube from the holder and mix it

Edward should prioritize removing and mixing the tube before removing the needle to avoid unnecessary blood drops, reduce the risk of needle stick, and ensure proper mixing to prevent microclots. 

93.

If you witness a person faint and suspect they are in cardiac arrest, what should you do before starting chest compressions?

  • Look for signs of normal breathing

  • Locate the person's identification

  • Remove the person's shirt

  • Call the person's emergency contact

Correct answer: Look for signs of breathing

According to the American Heart Association, there are a few steps to take before beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a person in cardiac arrest. These steps include:

  1.  Look for signs of normal breathing
  2.  Tap the person on their shoulder and ask, "Are you OK?"

If the person does not respond, has no pulse, and does not appear to be breathing, call 911. Next, begin chest compressions. 

It is unnecessary to remove the person's clothing, look for their ID, or call their emergency contact. For every minute that CPR is delayed, a person's chance of survival drops by 10%.

94.

Which of the following is not a reason that an antiseptic must fully air dry prior to performing a skin puncture procedure?

  • Alcohol interferes with uric acid, phosphorus, and potassium levels.

  • Alcohol can interfere with glucose testing.

  • Alcohol causes rapid hemolysis of red blood cells.

  • Alcohol can cause a stinging sensation for the patient.

Correct answer: Alcohol Interferes with uric acid, phosphorus, and potassium levels.

Povidone-iodine should not be used to clean skin puncture sites, because it greatly interferes with some tests, most notably - uric acid, phosphorus, and potassium levels. This is the reason that 70% isopropanol (alcohol) is recommended for skin puncture sites. 

After cleaning, the site must be able to air dry completely. This allows maximum antiseptic action and reduces alcohol contamination of the site. In addition, it will decrease the risk of red blood cell hemolysis or a stinging sensation for the patient. 

95.

To prepare a blood smear, what should the phlebotomist do after performing a capillary puncture?

  • Wipe away the first drop

  • Remove their gloves and wash their hands

  • Collect the blood using a capillary tube

  • Apply a dime-sized drop to the slide

Correct answer: Wipe away the first drop

The next step after the capillary puncture is to wipe away the first drop. Wiping away the first drop removes excess tissue fluid and alcohol residue that could distort cell morphology in hematology testing.

96.

Grace is an elderly patient who has been hospitalized due to a fall-related injury. The phlebotomist arrives at her room with orders for tests requiring a lavender-top tube and a blue-top tube. The phlebotomist greets Grace and tells her that he will be drawing her blood this morning. When assessing Grace's forearms for a good site, he observes that her veins appear thin, and they feel movable. 

Which of the following actions is appropriate for performing the venipuncture?

  • Wrap the non-dominant hand around Grace's forearm from behind to pull the skin taut below the site

  • Wrap the dominant hand around Grace's forearm from behind to pull the skin taut above the site

  • Use the thumb of the non-dominant hand to anchor the vein above the site

  • Use the thumb of the dominant hand to anchor the vein below the site

Correct answer: Wrap the non-dominant hand around Grace's forearm from behind to pull the skin taut, about two inches below the site

Elderly patients may have fragile veins with a tendency to roll, so it is important to anchor them firmly and enter quickly to increase the chance of successful venipuncture. If the skin is loose and veins are not well-supported by subcutaneous tissue, it may be helpful to gently pull the skin taut from behind on both sides rather than using the thumb. 

Veins should always be anchored with the nondominant hand because the dominant hand must be free to position and maneuver the needle.

It is best to anchor the veins about one to two inches below the intended needle insertion site.

97.

A young adult patient is having a point-of-care test performed in the lab. When the patient's parents enter the room, they inquire about the results. 

What is the best course of action for the phlebotomist?

  • Ask the patient for permission to share the results

  • Write the results on paper and hand it to the parents

  • Give the parents login credentials to view the patient's results on the patient portal

  • Tell the parents they must fill out a request form to receive the results

Correct answer: Ask the patient for permission to share the results

As a healthcare provider, phlebotomists are bound by ethical standards and various laws to maintain the confidentiality of every patient's health information. In this scenario, the patient is an adult. So, even though it is the parents who are asking for results, the phlebotomist should not share this confidential information without the patient's authorization. 

98.

Which of the following common conditions requires droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions?

  • Parvovirus

  • Parainfluenza virus

  • Scabies

  • Chickenpox

Correct answer: Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a respiratory infection known to spread through droplets. When collecting specimens from a patient with "parvo," it is important to follow droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions. 

Parainfluenza virus is a respiratory infection, but it is transmitted by contact, so contact precautions would be used in that scenario.

Scabies and chickenpox are skin infections spread by contact, so contact precautions would be used in the treatment of patients with those infections. 

99.

Which of the following is true about a patient who is unconscious or semi-conscious, with cold, clammy skin and a rapid, weak pulse?

  • The patient could be in shock.

  • The patient should be moved to a comfortable area.

  • They may need fluids, so you should give them water.

  • They do not need First Aid or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Correct answer: The patient could be in shock.

An individual who is in shock may be unconscious or semiconscious, so they will likely need first aid. Unless they are in immediate danger, do not attempt to move them in case there are injuries. Do not give fluids because of the risk of aspiration.

100.

When collecting a nasal swab specimen to test a patient for "flu," which type of transmission-based precautions should be observed?

  • Droplet

  • Contact

  • Standard

  • Airborne

Correct answer: Droplet

Influenza, or "flu," is a respiratory infection that can spread through respiratory secretions. Patients who have the flu should be treated with droplet precautions. 

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