NHA Phlebotomy National Exam |
Questions With Correct Answers And
Detailed Rationales Rated A | 2026/27
Digital Pdf Download
Question 1
phlebotomist must collect a light blue top tube, a lavender top tube, and
A
a green top tube. After cleaning the site with an alcohol pad, what is the
correct order of draw?
) Lavender, green, light blue
A
B) Green, lavender, light blue
C) Light blue, green, lavender
D) Green, light blue, lavender
Correct Answer: C – Light blue, green, lavender
ationale: The correct order of draw prevents additive carryover. Light blue
R
tubes (sodium citrate) are drawn first among non-culture tubes to avoid
contamination with other additives. Green (heparin) is drawn before
lavender (EDTA) to prevent EDTA from falsely lowering calcium and
affecting coagulation test results .
,Question 2
patient with a known clotting disorder has a large bruise extending from
A
the antecubital fossa to the wrist from a previous draw. What should the
phlebotomist do?
) Apply firm pressure for at least 5 minutes after this draw
A
B) Avoid the arm and select the opposite side
C) Use a smaller gauge needle to reduce trauma
D) Both A and B
Correct Answer: D – Both A and B
ationale: The injured arm should be avoided to prevent further damage and
R
pain. Due to the clotting disorder, additional pressure (at least 5 minutes) is
required after the draw to prevent bleeding and hematoma formation. A
smaller gauge needle can help but is not the primary action .
Question 3
phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from a patient in isolation for
A
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which personal protective equipment
(PPE) is essential for this procedure?
) Surgical mask and face shield
A
B) N95 respirator and gown
C) Gloves and gown only
D) Gloves, gown, and proper hand hygiene (soap and water)
orrect Answer: D – Gloves, gown, and proper hand hygiene (soap and
C
water)
, ationale: C. diff spreads via spores, against which alcohol hand sanitizers
R
are ineffective. Gloves and a gown are required to prevent transmission, and
hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water after glove removal .
Question 4
he phlebotomist has cleansed a patient's arm with an alcohol pad and is
T
about to insert the needle. The patient asks, "Aren't you going to let the
alcohol dry first?" What is the best response?
) "Don't worry, it's fine to go ahead."
A
B) "You're right; I need to let it dry completely to prevent stinging and
hemolysis."
C) "I'll wipe it off with a gauze pad."
D) "Alcohol doesn't need to dry for routine blood draws."
orrect Answer: B – "You're right; I need to let it dry completely to prevent
C
stinging and hemolysis."
ationale: Alcohol must be allowed to air dry completely (about 30
R
seconds) before venipuncture. Wet alcohol causes stinging upon needle
insertion and can enter the puncture site, potentially causing hemolysis
(rupture of red blood cells), which invalidates lab results .
Question 5
Questions With Correct Answers And
Detailed Rationales Rated A | 2026/27
Digital Pdf Download
Question 1
phlebotomist must collect a light blue top tube, a lavender top tube, and
A
a green top tube. After cleaning the site with an alcohol pad, what is the
correct order of draw?
) Lavender, green, light blue
A
B) Green, lavender, light blue
C) Light blue, green, lavender
D) Green, light blue, lavender
Correct Answer: C – Light blue, green, lavender
ationale: The correct order of draw prevents additive carryover. Light blue
R
tubes (sodium citrate) are drawn first among non-culture tubes to avoid
contamination with other additives. Green (heparin) is drawn before
lavender (EDTA) to prevent EDTA from falsely lowering calcium and
affecting coagulation test results .
,Question 2
patient with a known clotting disorder has a large bruise extending from
A
the antecubital fossa to the wrist from a previous draw. What should the
phlebotomist do?
) Apply firm pressure for at least 5 minutes after this draw
A
B) Avoid the arm and select the opposite side
C) Use a smaller gauge needle to reduce trauma
D) Both A and B
Correct Answer: D – Both A and B
ationale: The injured arm should be avoided to prevent further damage and
R
pain. Due to the clotting disorder, additional pressure (at least 5 minutes) is
required after the draw to prevent bleeding and hematoma formation. A
smaller gauge needle can help but is not the primary action .
Question 3
phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from a patient in isolation for
A
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which personal protective equipment
(PPE) is essential for this procedure?
) Surgical mask and face shield
A
B) N95 respirator and gown
C) Gloves and gown only
D) Gloves, gown, and proper hand hygiene (soap and water)
orrect Answer: D – Gloves, gown, and proper hand hygiene (soap and
C
water)
, ationale: C. diff spreads via spores, against which alcohol hand sanitizers
R
are ineffective. Gloves and a gown are required to prevent transmission, and
hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water after glove removal .
Question 4
he phlebotomist has cleansed a patient's arm with an alcohol pad and is
T
about to insert the needle. The patient asks, "Aren't you going to let the
alcohol dry first?" What is the best response?
) "Don't worry, it's fine to go ahead."
A
B) "You're right; I need to let it dry completely to prevent stinging and
hemolysis."
C) "I'll wipe it off with a gauze pad."
D) "Alcohol doesn't need to dry for routine blood draws."
orrect Answer: B – "You're right; I need to let it dry completely to prevent
C
stinging and hemolysis."
ationale: Alcohol must be allowed to air dry completely (about 30
R
seconds) before venipuncture. Wet alcohol causes stinging upon needle
insertion and can enter the puncture site, potentially causing hemolysis
(rupture of red blood cells), which invalidates lab results .
Question 5
