Phlebotomy Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

Which of the following hand hygiene moments is performed BEFORE a clean or aseptic procedure, according to the WHO Five Moments for Hand Hygiene?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Before touching a patient's intact skin to locate a vein. WHO Moment 2 specifies hand hygiene immediately before any clean or aseptic procedure (including vein palpation before venipuncture) to protect the patient from healthcare-associated infection.

Question 2

A patient is on Airborne Precautions for pulmonary tuberculosis. Which respirator classification is the MINIMUM standard required for the phlebotomist entering the room?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

NIOSH-approved N95 respirator (or higher). CDC and OSHA require a minimum of an NIOSH-approved N95 respirator (filtering facepiece) for healthcare workers entering the room of a patient on Airborne Precautions for tuberculosis; a surgical mask is insufficient.

Question 3

Under the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, which group is required to be involved in selecting and evaluating engineering controls such as safety-engineered needles?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Non-managerial frontline healthcare workers who perform the exposure-prone tasks. The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (2000) amended OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to mandate that non-managerial frontline workers who use sharps be involved in the evaluation and selection of safer needle devices.

Question 4

A phlebotomist accidentally contaminates her outer gown with blood during a difficult draw. In what order should she remove her PPE to prevent self-contamination when leaving the room?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Gloves first, then gown, then mask/respirator. CDC doffing sequence for standard PPE is: gloves (most contaminated) first, then gown, then goggles/face shield, then mask/respirator last; this sequence prevents transfer of pathogens to mucous membranes.

Question 5

A specimen bag containing a blood tube is found leaking in the pneumatic tube transport system. Who is responsible for cleaning the spill using an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant or a 1:10 bleach solution?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Any trained healthcare worker following the facility's bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that all employees covered by the exposure control plan are trained to decontaminate surfaces with an appropriate disinfectant; the response is not restricted to a single department.

Question 6

A phlebotomist is asked to recollect a specimen from a patient in an isolation room. She puts on gloves and a gown in the hallway, then enters. Before leaving, she removes PPE inside the room. Which is the CORRECT location for donning and doffing PPE in this scenario?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Don PPE outside the room; doff PPE inside the room just before exiting, then perform hand hygiene outside. CDC isolation guidance specifies that PPE is donned outside the patient room before entry, and doffed inside the room (or in the anteroom if available) before exiting, to contain pathogens and prevent corridor contamination.

Question 7

The median cubital vein is preferred for venipuncture primarily because of which anatomical characteristic?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

It is large, superficial, and relatively fixed with minimal tendency to roll. The median cubital vein is the first-choice site because its size, superficial position, and relative immobility make it easier to anchor and puncture successfully with less patient discomfort.

Question 8

Which plasma protein is most responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure and preventing fluid from leaking into surrounding tissues?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Albumin. Albumin, produced by the liver, accounts for approximately 60% of plasma protein and is the chief determinant of plasma colloid osmotic (oncotic) pressure.

Question 9

In the systemic circulation, blood traveling from the right ventricle first enters which vessel?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Pulmonary artery. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery, which carries it to the lungs; the aorta receives oxygenated blood from the left ventricle.

Question 10

A phlebotomist palpates the antecubital fossa and identifies a vessel on the thumb side of the arm. Which vein has most likely been located?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Cephalic vein. The cephalic vein runs along the lateral (radial/thumb) side of the antecubital fossa, while the basilic vein lies on the medial (ulnar/little-finger) side.

Phlebotomy Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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