PLB109 STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Define age-specific competencies - ANSWER Knowledge, skills, ability, and
behaviors essential for providing care to specific populations
Identify how patient age may affect venipuncture - ANSWER May affect how
a specimen is collected and the volume obtained
Discuss why a minimum volume of blood should be obtained from an infant -
ANSWER More than 10% removal at one time can lead to cardiac arrest or
anemia
Explain why parents should be informed of details of a pediatric draw -
ANSWER Alleviates anxiety, reassurance, and builds trust
Discuss when venipunctures should be performed on children under 6 months
of age - ANSWER · Never, unless the test ordered requires volume
· Otherwise, a needle stick (skin puncture) is obtained
Identify the factor determining venipuncture versus skin puncture for an infant -
ANSWER Age or sample requirements for the test ordered
Explain why a preschool-age child should be kept calm during a venipuncture -
ANSWER Crying can raise WBC count and blood pH; it ensures safety of the
phlebotomist and patient
Explain appropriate dialog to have with a pre-school age child regarding the
venipuncture - ANSWER Soothing, non-threatening voice; cheerful-
empathetic manner
Describe the proper way to immobilize a pre-school age child - ANSWER
Hugging hold: Child seated on parent's lap, legs wrapped around child's feet.
One arm holding venipuncture site, the other wrapped around child's body
ANSWERS
Define age-specific competencies - ANSWER Knowledge, skills, ability, and
behaviors essential for providing care to specific populations
Identify how patient age may affect venipuncture - ANSWER May affect how
a specimen is collected and the volume obtained
Discuss why a minimum volume of blood should be obtained from an infant -
ANSWER More than 10% removal at one time can lead to cardiac arrest or
anemia
Explain why parents should be informed of details of a pediatric draw -
ANSWER Alleviates anxiety, reassurance, and builds trust
Discuss when venipunctures should be performed on children under 6 months
of age - ANSWER · Never, unless the test ordered requires volume
· Otherwise, a needle stick (skin puncture) is obtained
Identify the factor determining venipuncture versus skin puncture for an infant -
ANSWER Age or sample requirements for the test ordered
Explain why a preschool-age child should be kept calm during a venipuncture -
ANSWER Crying can raise WBC count and blood pH; it ensures safety of the
phlebotomist and patient
Explain appropriate dialog to have with a pre-school age child regarding the
venipuncture - ANSWER Soothing, non-threatening voice; cheerful-
empathetic manner
Describe the proper way to immobilize a pre-school age child - ANSWER
Hugging hold: Child seated on parent's lap, legs wrapped around child's feet.
One arm holding venipuncture site, the other wrapped around child's body
