NCPT Domain 4: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting Welcome to your NCPT Domain 4: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting 1. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting In cases of a hematoma developing during venipuncture, what is the first action that should be taken? A. Apply a warm compress to the area. B. Continue the draw until the required volume is obtained. C. Remove the needle and apply firm pressure to the site. D. Elevate the patient's arm above the heart level. None 2. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting What is the appropriate response if the blood flow stops suddenly during a venipuncture procedure? A. Ask the patient to pump their fist to increase blood flow. B. Adjust the needle slightly either by advancing or pulling back. C. Apply more pressure with the tourniquet to increase venous pressure. D. Remove the tourniquet and needle immediately and apply pressure. None 3. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting When a patient reports persistent tingling in their arm after a blood draw, what is the likely cause? A. An allergic reaction to the antiseptic used. B. Nerve irritation or injury during the venipuncture. C. The tourniquet was applied too tightly. D. Inadequate hydration before the blood draw. None 4. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting What complication is indicated by a rapid swelling at the puncture site during blood collection? A. An allergic reaction to the collection equipment. B. The development of a hematoma. C. A vasovagal reaction. D. Venous spasm. None 5. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting If a patient develops hives shortly after a venipuncture, what should the phlebotomist suspect? A. A hematoma has formed. B. The patient is experiencing a vasovagal reaction. C. An allergic reaction to the latex in the tourniquet or gloves. D. The patient is having an anxiety attack. None 6. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting How should a phlebotomist handle a situation where a patient's vein collapses during venipuncture? A. Attempt to re-access the vein at a different site with a new needle. B. Use a syringe to apply gentle suction and continue the draw. C. Increase the angle of insertion to access the deeper part of the vein. D. Encourage the patient to hydrate and schedule a redraw. None 7. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting Which of the following is the best course of action for a phlebotomist if blood is not flowing into the tube after needle insertion? A. Reassure the patient that this is normal and try another tube. B. Gently reposition the needle by advancing it slightly or withdrawing it a little. C. Immediately remove the needle and apply pressure to avoid a hematoma. D. Apply additional tourniquet pressure to force the blood into the tube. None 8. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting When should a phlebotomist use a "butterfly" needle instead of a standard straight needle? A. When drawing blood from a large, easily accessible vein. B. When the patient has deep veins that are difficult to palpate. C. When the patient has small or fragile veins that might collapse with a standard needle. D. When the patient requests it for comfort reasons. None 9. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting What is an appropriate measure to take when a phlebotomist encounters a rolling vein during venipuncture? A. Use a larger gauge needle to secure the vein in place. B. Ask the patient to hold their breath to immobilize the vein. C. Anchor the vein firmly with the thumb of the non-dominant hand. D. Schedule the patient for a central venous collection instead. None 10. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting Which of the following actions is recommended after a failed venipuncture attempt in which the patient experiences bruising? A. Instruct the patient to apply heat to the site to promote healing. B. Advise the patient to avoid using the affected arm for heavy lifting. C. Immediately redraw from a vein close to the bruised area. D. Apply a cold compress to the site immediately after the attempt. None 11. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting What should a phlebotomist do if a patient exhibits signs of fainting during the blood collection process? A. Complete the blood draw as quickly as possible before addressing the patient's condition. B. Stop the blood draw, remove the needle, and position the patient to prevent injury. C. Ask the patient to take deep breaths and proceed with the draw once they feel better. D. Lower the patient's head between their knees while seated to restore blood flow. None 12. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting What is the most appropriate next step if a patient develops petechiae around the puncture site during blood collection? A. Continue the collection as petechiae are not a cause for concern. B. Immediately release the tourniquet and assess the need to continue the draw. C. Apply a warm compress to the site to stop petechiae from forming. D. Complete the draw and apply an antibiotic ointment to the area. None 13. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting How should a phlebotomist respond to a suspected arterial puncture during venipuncture? A. Continue drawing the blood as arteries provide a good blood flow. B. Quickly withdraw the needle and apply firm pressure to the site for at least 5 minutes. C. Immediately apply a tourniquet above the site to stop arterial blood flow. D. Have the patient bend their arm and hold it above their head. None 14. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting What should be done if a blood specimen is inadvertently collected from an arm receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion? A. Mark the specimen as "collected from IV arm" and send it for processing. B. Immediately discard the specimen and redraw from the other arm or below the IV site. C. Dilute the specimen with saline to counteract the effects of the IV fluid. D. Wait for 15 minutes and recollect the specimen from the same site. None 15. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting What is an appropriate step to take if a phlebotomist notices a change in the color of a patient's blood during collection? A. Switch to a larger gauge needle to improve blood flow. B. Stop the draw, as it may indicate a change in oxygenation or contamination. C. Complete the draw and label the tube with the observed color change. D. Mix the blood gently to see if the color returns to normal. None 16. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting What is the best practice when a blood specimen tube appears to be filling very slowly? A. Adjust the needle position as it may not be fully in the vein. B. Remove the tube and try another one to check for vacuum integrity. C. Change to a syringe draw if low blood flow continues. D. Encourage the patient to hydrate more for future draws. None 17. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting In which scenario would a phlebotomist apply a tourniquet above an IV site for a blood draw? A. When no other veins are accessible for venipuncture. B. When drawing blood for a non-additive test. C. This practice should be avoided as it can lead to inaccurate results. D. When the IV fluid has been turned off for at least 2 minutes. None 18. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting How should a phlebotomist respond to a blood specimen that shows signs of lipemia? A. Centrifuge the specimen longer to clear the lipids. B. Report the finding and consult with the laboratory on whether a redraw is necessary. C. Warm the specimen to dissolve the lipid particles. D. Dilute the specimen with saline to reduce the lipemic appearance. None 19. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting How should a phlebotomist respond to a blood specimen that shows signs of lipemia? A. Centrifuge the specimen longer to clear the lipids. B. Report the finding and consult with the laboratory on whether a redraw is necessary. C. Warm the specimen to dissolve the lipid particles. D. Dilute the specimen with saline to reduce the lipemic appearance. None 20. NCPT: Collection Complications and Troubleshooting When a patient's vein is prone to collapsing during a draw, which needle feature may help minimize this issue? A. A larger gauge needle B. A needle with a smaller bevel C. A butterfly needle with a smaller gauge D. A needle with a longer shaft None 1 out of 20 Time is Up! Time's up
