Chapter 01: Introduction to Phlebotomy
Warekois: Phlebotomy: Worktext and Procedures Manual, 4th Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

	1.	What does the term phlebotomy actually mean?
a.	Removal of a vein.	
b.	Incision of a vein.	
c.	Testing of blood.	
d.	Withdrawal of red blood cells.	

ANS:	B
Phleb/o means “vein,” and -tomy means “to make an incision.”

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	2

	2.	What is the first step in routine blood collection?
a.	Select and prepare the site of collection.	
b.	Obtain a requisition form from a licensed practitioner.	
c.	Choose the appropriate equipment for collecting the sample.	
d.	Correctly and positively identify the patient.	

ANS:	B
The first step is to obtain a requisition form from a licensed practitioner. All other steps occur after this.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 2		REF:	3

	3.	Which of the following acronyms is not a certification agency for phlebotomists?
a.	ASCP.	
b.	ASPT.	
c.	AMT.	
d.	NAACLS.	

ANS:	D
NAACLS is an accrediting agency for schools. All other agencies certify phlebotomists, and some also certify professionals in other fields.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	7

	4.	Which of the following terms is evidence that an individual has demonstrated proficiency in a particular area of practice?
a.	Accreditation.	
b.	Approval.	
c.	Certification.	
d.	Standardization.	

ANS:	C
Certification is evidence that an individual has demonstrated proficiency in a particular area of practice. Certification is awarded to an individual who has passed a voluntary proficiency examination given by a professional agency. Accreditation or approval is given to programs that train laboratory professionals according to specified standards.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	6

	5.	A phlebotomist must ensure that the patient understands and agrees that his or her blood is going to be drawn. What is the name of this process?
a.	Confidentiality.	
b.	Informed consent.	
c.	Legality.	
d.	Privacy.	

ANS:	B
This process is the definition of informed consent. Confidentiality is the protection of private information.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	8

	6.	The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 regulates which of the following areas?
a.	Privacy of health information.	
b.	Health insurance transfers on changing jobs.	
c.	Informing patients of intended procedures.	
d.	Phlebotomy training.	

ANS:	A
HIPAA requires that health care agencies and personnel protect a patient’s private health information.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	8

	7.	You have entered a patient’s room and explained that you need to draw blood, and the patient repeatedly refuses. What should you do?
a.	Attempt to draw it anyhow because the physician ordered the test.	
b.	Call for another phlebotomist to help you to convince the patient.	
c.	Take the request form back to the laboratory after you have finished drawing your other patients.	
d.	Notify the patient’s physician according to the institution’s written policies.	

ANS:	D
A patient must give informed consent. Refusal indicates the patient does not give consent. Inform the patient’s physician who ordered the test and document your actions.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 3		REF:	8

	8.	The term informed consent means:
a.	A patient must be informed of all intended treatments and risks before the treatment is performed.	
b.	A patient must inform the physicians concerning what procedures they need.	
c.	A nurse informed by the phlebotomist can overrule a patient’s refusal.	
d.	As long as the patient is informed, he or she cannot refuse a treatment.	

ANS:	A
Informed consent means having all pertinent information concerning the procedure and giving consent. Only the patient can give consent, except in the case of a minor or an incapacitated patient.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	8

	9.	Which of the following is true of phlebotomy?
a.	Phlebotomy is an ancient profession dating back at least 3500 years.	
b.	Phlebotomy is a new profession arising during World War II.	
c.	Phlebotomists today draw blood from patients for the same reasons as ancient phlebotomists.	
d.	Phlebotomy equipment has not changed since the original phlebotomists.	

ANS:	A
Phlebotomy originated at least 3500 years ago dating back to the ancient Egyptians. “Bleeding” patients was once thought to cure many illnesses. Today’s equipment is very different.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	2

	10.	Which of the following professionals performs a variety of tasks related to specimen preparation in the clinical laboratory?
a.	Accessioner.	
b.	Laboratory assistant.	
c.	Medical assistant.	
d.	Medical technologist.	

ANS:	A
An Accessioner performs a variety of tasks related to specimen preparation in the clinical laboratory. A laboratory assistant assists in performing routine laboratory testing. A medical assistant works in a clinic or hospital to assist other staff in patient care facility preparation.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 2		REF:	3

	11.	After becoming certified, what is a requirement to maintain that certification?
a.	Take an annual phlebotomy course.	
b.	Complete a minimum of 500 sticks each year.	
c.	Participate in continuing medical education.	
d.	Take a bi-annual national certification examination.	

ANS:	C
Maintaining a certification requires participation in continuing medical education to remain certified. The other three choices are not required for maintaining a certification.

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	8

	12.	What is the term given to any information about the patient’s health status, treatment, or payment for health care?
a.	Demographics.	
b.	Protected Health Information.	
c.	Diagnosis.	
d.	Private Health Plan.	

ANS:	B
Any information about the patient’s health status, treatment, or payment for health care is the definition of Protected Health Information (PHI).

DIF:	Cognitive Level: 1		REF:	8