NPS PHLEBOTOMY EXAM 2026 (2 DIFFERENT VERSIONS) |
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS | GRADED
A+ | VERIFIED ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A+, GUARANTEE
PASS
1. Patient Identification
Question: What is the most important step in ensuring patient safety before
performing a venipuncture?
A. Asking the patient if they are fasting
B. Checking the physician’s order
C. Verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers
D. Assembling the correct equipment
Correct Answer: C. Verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers
Rationale: Misidentification can lead to serious medical errors.
Phlebotomists must confirm patient identity by using two identifiers, such as
full name and date of birth, and comparing them with the requisition.
Reference: CDC – Patient Identification
2. Tourniquet Application
Question: How long should a tourniquet be applied before venipuncture?
A. 1–2 minutes
B. Up to 60 seconds
C. 3–5 minutes
D. Until blood flow is achieved
Correct Answer: B. Up to 60 seconds
Rationale: Prolonged tourniquet application causes hemoconcentration and
,2|Page
may alter test results. The maximum recommended time is one minute.
Reference: CLSI Venipuncture Standards
3. Order of Draw
Question: Which of the following tubes should be collected first?
A. Red top
B. Light blue top
C. Lavender top
D. Gray top
Correct Answer: B. Light blue top
Rationale: The order of draw prevents cross-contamination of additives.
Coagulation tubes (light blue) are collected immediately after blood culture
bottles.
Reference: CDC – Order of Draw
4. Blood Cultures
Question: When collecting blood cultures, the site should be cleaned with:
A. Alcohol only
B. Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine
C. Soap and water
D. Hydrogen peroxide
Correct Answer: B. Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine
Rationale: To prevent contamination, blood culture sites require stronger
antiseptics than standard venipuncture.
Reference: WHO – Blood Culture Guidelines
5. Needle Gauge
Question: Which needle gauge is most commonly used for routine adult
venipuncture?
,3|Page
A. 18
B. 20
C. 21
D. 25
Correct Answer: C. 21
Rationale: A 21-gauge needle provides a good balance between blood flow
and patient comfort. Smaller gauges (25) are for pediatrics or fragile veins.
Reference: NHS – Venipuncture Guide
6. Inversion of Tubes
Question: How many times should a lavender top tube be inverted after
collection?
A. 2–3
B. 5–6
C. 8–10
D. 12–15
Correct Answer: C. 8–10
Rationale: Proper mixing prevents clotting. Over-mixing can cause
hemolysis, while under-mixing can cause clot formation.
Reference: BD Vacutainer Guide
7. Hematoma Prevention
Question: Which of the following is the best way to prevent a hematoma?
A. Apply the tourniquet tightly
B. Insert the needle at 45°
C. Apply firm pressure after withdrawal
D. Use a 16-gauge needle
Correct Answer: C. Apply firm pressure after withdrawal
Rationale: Immediate and adequate pressure prevents blood leakage into
, 4|Page
surrounding tissue.
Reference: CLSI Venipuncture Standards
8. Capillary Collection
Question: Which finger is preferred for capillary puncture in adults?
A. Thumb
B. Index
C. Middle or ring finger
D. Little finger
Correct Answer: C. Middle or ring finger
Rationale: These fingers provide the safest puncture sites due to good blood
flow and minimal risk of nerve/artery damage.
Reference: WHO – Capillary Sampling
9. Arterial vs Venous Blood
Question: Which test typically requires arterial blood instead of venous
blood?
A. CBC
B. Blood glucose
C. ABG (Arterial Blood Gas)
D. Lipid panel
Correct Answer: C. ABG (Arterial Blood Gas)
Rationale: ABG tests evaluate oxygenation and acid-base status, requiring
arterial samples.
Reference: American Thoracic Society
10. Patient Position
Question: The best patient position for routine venipuncture is:
A. Standing upright