NHCO Phlebotomy Exam Study Guide Solved
Questions and Accuracy-Checked Answers 2026-
2027
Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Circulatory System
1. Which of the following veins is the most common site for
venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?
A) Basilic vein
B) Cephalic vein
C) Median cubital vein
D) Dorsal arch vein
ANSWERS>: C - The median cubital vein is the preferred site because it
is well-anchored, large, and least likely to roll or cause pain.
2. Which vein lies close to the brachial artery and poses a high risk for
nerve injury during venipuncture?
A) Cephalic vein
B) Basilic vein
C) Median cubital vein
D) Radial vein
ANSWERS>: B - The basilic vein is near the brachial artery and median
nerve, making it a high-risk site used only as a last resort.
,3. What is the difference between serum and plasma?
A) Serum contains fibrinogen; plasma does not.
B) Plasma contains fibrinogen; serum does not.
C) Serum is found in arteries; plasma is found in veins.
D) Plasma is red; serum is yellow.
ANSWERS>: B - Plasma is the fluid portion of blood that still contains
clotting factors (like fibrinogen). Serum is the fluid left over after blood
has clotted, meaning the fibrinogen has been removed.
4. Which type of blood vessel carries oxygenated blood away from the
heart (with the exception of the pulmonary artery)?
A) Veins
B) Capillaries
C) Arteries
D) Venules
ANSWERS>: C - Arteries are thick-walled vessels that carry blood away
from the heart under high pressure.
5. What is the functional role of a tourniquet during venipuncture?
A) To sterilize the puncture site
B) To compress veins and cause them to distend for easier access
C) To prevent arterial blood flow
, D) To anchor the skin
ANSWERS>: B - A tourniquet applied 3-4 inches above the puncture site
obstructs venous return, causing the vein to swell (distend) for easier
needle insertion.
6. How long should a tourniquet remain tied on a patient's arm?
A) No more than 30 seconds
B) No more than 1 minute
C) No more than 3 minutes
D) No more than 5 minutes
ANSWERS>: B - Leaving a tourniquet on longer than 1 minute can cause
hemoconcentration, which alters test results, and can cause discomfort
or nerve damage.
Section 2: Safety, Infection Control, and HIPAA
7. What does the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require
employers to provide for employees at no cost?
A) Paid sick leave after a needlestick injury
B) Hepatitis B vaccination series
C) Annual bonuses for safety compliance
D) On-site medical treatment for hypertension
ANSWERS>: B - OSHA mandates that employers offer the Hepatitis B
vaccine to all employees who have occupational exposure to blood.
Questions and Accuracy-Checked Answers 2026-
2027
Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Circulatory System
1. Which of the following veins is the most common site for
venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?
A) Basilic vein
B) Cephalic vein
C) Median cubital vein
D) Dorsal arch vein
ANSWERS>: C - The median cubital vein is the preferred site because it
is well-anchored, large, and least likely to roll or cause pain.
2. Which vein lies close to the brachial artery and poses a high risk for
nerve injury during venipuncture?
A) Cephalic vein
B) Basilic vein
C) Median cubital vein
D) Radial vein
ANSWERS>: B - The basilic vein is near the brachial artery and median
nerve, making it a high-risk site used only as a last resort.
,3. What is the difference between serum and plasma?
A) Serum contains fibrinogen; plasma does not.
B) Plasma contains fibrinogen; serum does not.
C) Serum is found in arteries; plasma is found in veins.
D) Plasma is red; serum is yellow.
ANSWERS>: B - Plasma is the fluid portion of blood that still contains
clotting factors (like fibrinogen). Serum is the fluid left over after blood
has clotted, meaning the fibrinogen has been removed.
4. Which type of blood vessel carries oxygenated blood away from the
heart (with the exception of the pulmonary artery)?
A) Veins
B) Capillaries
C) Arteries
D) Venules
ANSWERS>: C - Arteries are thick-walled vessels that carry blood away
from the heart under high pressure.
5. What is the functional role of a tourniquet during venipuncture?
A) To sterilize the puncture site
B) To compress veins and cause them to distend for easier access
C) To prevent arterial blood flow
, D) To anchor the skin
ANSWERS>: B - A tourniquet applied 3-4 inches above the puncture site
obstructs venous return, causing the vein to swell (distend) for easier
needle insertion.
6. How long should a tourniquet remain tied on a patient's arm?
A) No more than 30 seconds
B) No more than 1 minute
C) No more than 3 minutes
D) No more than 5 minutes
ANSWERS>: B - Leaving a tourniquet on longer than 1 minute can cause
hemoconcentration, which alters test results, and can cause discomfort
or nerve damage.
Section 2: Safety, Infection Control, and HIPAA
7. What does the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require
employers to provide for employees at no cost?
A) Paid sick leave after a needlestick injury
B) Hepatitis B vaccination series
C) Annual bonuses for safety compliance
D) On-site medical treatment for hypertension
ANSWERS>: B - OSHA mandates that employers offer the Hepatitis B
vaccine to all employees who have occupational exposure to blood.
