Question 1

The appropriate time for labeling a patient specimen is:

Accepted Answer

The appropriate time for labeling a patient specimen is immediately after collection. In order to ensure accurate patient specimen identification, proper labeling must occur. The best time to label a specimen is immediately after collection, in the presence of the patient.

Question 2

Phil is in his patient's room; he has introduced himself, properly identified the patient, and is now explaining the venipuncture procedure. He says, "Your doctor has requested a blood test; the lab will contact your doctor with the results. I will draw a small sample from your vein so the lab can run the test. You may feel a small pinch." Why is Phil telling the patient this?

Accepted Answer

Phil is informing the patient of the blood withdrawal procedure he is about to perform, which is necessary to obtain informed consent. Informed consent issues are the largest area of litigation. This is why phlebotomists are required to explain procedures to patients in easy-to-understand terms.

Question 3

While in the lab, Phil is asked to call the nursing station to inform the nursing staff of an elevated lab result of a patient. Phil is hesitant to do this because he believes it may be a breach of confidentiality. Is Phil correct?

Accepted Answer

Phil is not correct; sharing clinically significant information with members of the healthcare team is not a breach of confidentiality. However, in some states, results of HIV screening are strictly confidential, and no one except the patient and physician is allowed to know the results.

Question 4

Phil has returned to a patient's room for another blood draw. The patient has several visitors in the room. After introducing himself and properly identifying the patient, Phil makes conversation by congratulating the patient, as the previous blood draw confirmed the patient's pregnancy. What, if anything, has Phil done wrong?

Accepted Answer

Phil has violated the patient's right to confidentiality, assured by the Patient Bill of Rights. Phlebotomists must take care not to discuss anything related to the condition or treatment of a patient with anyone except the patient, physician, or members of the healthcare team who have a clinical need to know. There would not be a breach of confidentiality if the patient had offered the information to Phil first, in front of her guests, and then he congratulated the patient.

Question 5

Chain of custody refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Chain of custody is the process of maintaining control of a specimen from point of collection until the test is completed. The specimen is packaged in a permanently sealed, tamper proof container. A chain of custody form is required; the form accompanies the specimen throughout the testing process, and is used to document the identity of anyone who handles the specimen. If the lab receives a specimen without a chain of custody form, a new specimen must be collected.

Question 6

Phil is working in the outpatient lab. A patient has come in for a drug screening of urine. Phil places a tamper-proof urine collection cup in the bathroom designated for drug screening. After receiving the urine from the patient, Phil immediately examines the color of the urine, as well as noting the temperature. He notes his observations and initiates the chain of custody form. Why did Phil examine the color and temperature of the urine sample?

Accepted Answer

Phil is checking for evidence of tampering. Many chemicals, fluids, and commercially available products can be used to skew drug-screening tests. Many urine collection devices intended for this type of testing are not only tamper proof, but made with a temperature sensitive strip to measure the temperature of the urine.
Acceptable urine temperature is about 95-99 degrees. Urine should also be visually examined for color and turbidity. If Phil suspects tampering, he must request a second sampling. A second sample may require direct observation of the specimen collection process.

Question 7

An amendment created to ensure accurate laboratory results was passed in 1988 and enacted in 1992; it applies to every American clinical laboratory. What is the name of this amendment?

Accepted Answer

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment, CLIA88, requires every American clinical laboratory to document the education and the continuing education of each of its employees. In addition, CLIA 88 requires documentation of all procedural steps of all lab testing conducted in that clinical laboratory.
If the laboratory is conducting moderate to complex testing, the facility must also undergo biannual inspections. The phlebotomist should have a basic understanding of CLIA88 and its impact on the facility in which s/he is employed. CLIA88 also establishes what tests the phlebotomist is permitted to perform.

Question 8

All of the following are considered requirements for a quality specimen except:

Accepted Answer

A quality specimen is required to be transported to the lab within 45 minutes of collection. In addition, requirements indicate that timed tests must be collected within the specified time frame, fasting tests must be collected in a timely manner, clot specimens must stand for thirty minutes at room temperature, standard precautions must be followed during collection process, and the patient must be properly prepped for the type of test. Every specimen collected is expected to be a quality specimen.

Question 9

Kendra is in a patient's room. She has introduced herself and properly identified the patient. Kendra keeps her body erect and relaxed, with her arms at her sides, while explaining the procedure about to be performed. When the patient asks questions, Kendra maintains eye contact, does not interrupt, and paraphrases the patient's question before answering. What form(s) of communication is Kendra using?

Accepted Answer

The use of non-verbal communication (arms uncrossed, body erect and relaxed) communicates friendly professionalism. When the patient begins asking questions, Pheona maintains eye contact, waits for the patient to finish the question, and paraphrases the question before answering; this is active listening. Active listening communicates caring and interest in what the other person is saying. It may also increase the patient's level of confidence.

Question 10

The purpose of an incident report is:

Accepted Answer

An incident is required for any kind of incident, it should be completed within twenty-four hours of an occurrence. It is an internal document used to document the details of an unusual event. Incidents are not only patient injuries, an incident can be a visitor tripping, or missing patient belongings, or using the wrong colored topped tube. Incidents reports are not an admission of guilt, simply a report of the incident.

Question 11

The supervisor is orienting newly hired patient care technicians to the policies of the facility and their job responsibilities. The supervisor reminds them that they can refuse to perform a task for any the following reasons except:

Accepted Answer

The patient care technician has the right to say "no" in performing tasks even if delegated by a licensed nurse. Sometimes refusing to follow the nurse's directions is your right and duty. You should refuse to perform a task when:
-The task is beyond the legal limits of your role.
-The task is not in your job description.
-You are not prepared to perform the task.
-The task could harm the person.
-The person' condition has changed.
-You do not know how to use the supplies or equipment.
-Directions are unclear or inappropriate.
-Directions are unethical, illegal, or against agency policies.
-A nurse is not available for supervision.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is true about implementing an advanced directive?

Accepted Answer

Advanced directives are legal documents that describe the wishes of a person regarding health care to be used when they can no longer make choices for themselves. Advanced directives are not similar to do not resuscitate (DNR) orders. As long as the client can understand and make choices, the advanced directive is not effective. In addition, an advanced directive becomes effective only after these three steps:
1.A physician determines that the patient has lost decision-making capacity.
2.A physician determines the patientâ€™s diagnosis and prognosis.
3.A physician has evaluated the wishes as expressed in the document to determine what the client may want or not want.

Question 13

Anita overheard a co-worker saying that the nurse assigned to their floor is having an illicit affair with a physician. Anita then informs the supervisor of this information. Which of the following statements best describe the situation?

Accepted Answer

To gossip means to spread rumors or talk about the private matters of others. It is unprofessional and hurtful. To avoid being a part of gossip:
-Remove yourself from a group or situation where gossip is occurring.
-Do not make or repeat any comment that can hurt a person, family member, co-worker, or your employer.
-Do not make or repeat any comment that you do not know to be true.
-Do not talk about patients, residents, visitors, families, co-workers, or your employer at home or in social settings.

Question 14

If the agency wishes to do a background check on the newly hired patient care technician, who is the correct authority to provide such information?

Accepted Answer

The patient care technician Registry is the official record or listing of persons who have successfully completed a patient care technician training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP). The registry has information about each patient care technician, including:
-Full name, including maiden name and any married names
-Last known home address
-Registration number and its expiration date.
-Date of birth
-Last known employer, date hired, and date employment ended
-Date the competency evaluation was passed
-Information about findings of abuse, neglect, or dishonest use of property. It includes the nature of the offense and supporting evidence. All information stays in the registry for at least 5 years.

Question 15

Kristine (RN) is orienting Shella, the new certified patient care technician, to the unit. Kristine mentions that sometimes culturally diverse clients who speak a different language are admitted to their unit. In communicating with these clients, Shella is aware that she should:

Accepted Answer

It is best to have an interpreter present when communicating with clients who speak different language. This is arranged by the nurse. Choices A and B are inappropriate and are ineffective ways in which to communicate. Choice D is inappropriate because it violates privacy and does not ensure correct translation.

Question 16

Which of the following statements is true about implementing an advanced directive?

Accepted Answer

Advanced directives are legal documents that describe the wishes of a person regarding health care to be used when they can no longer make choices for themselves. Advanced directives are not similar to do not resuscitate (DNR) orders. As long as the client can understand and make choices, the advanced directive is not effective. In addition, an advanced directive becomes effective only after these three steps:
1.A physician determines that the patient has lost decision-making capacity.
2.A physician determines the patient's diagnosis and prognosis.
3.A physician has evaluated the wishes as expressed in the document to determine what the client may want or not want.

Question 17

The supervisor is orienting newly hired patient care technicians to the policies of the facility and their job responsibilities. The supervisor reminds them that they can refuse to perform a task for any the following reasons except:

Accepted Answer

The patient care technician has the right to say "no" in performing tasks even if delegated by a licensed nurse. Sometimes refusing to follow the nurse's directions is your right and duty. You should refuse to perform a task when:
-The task is beyond the legal limits of your role.
-The task is not in your job description.
-You are not prepared to perform the task.
-The task could harm the person.
-The person's condition has changed.
-You do not know how to use the supplies or equipment.
-Directions are unclear or inappropriate.
-Directions are unethical, illegal, or against agency policies.
-A nurse is not available for supervision.

Question 18

Anita overheard a co-worker saying that the nurse assigned to their floor is having an illicit affair with a physician. Anita then informs the supervisor of this information. Which of the following statements best describe the situation?

Accepted Answer

To gossip means to spread rumors or talk about the private matters of others. It is unprofessional and hurtful. To avoid being a part of gossip:
-Remove yourself from a group or situation where gossip is occurring.
-Do not make or repeat any comment that can hurt a person, family member, co-worker, or your employer.
-Do not make or repeat any comment that you do not know to be true.
-Do not talk about patients, residents, visitors, families, co-workers, or your employer at home or in social settings.

Question 19

Kristine (RN) is orienting Shella, the new certified patient care technician, to the unit. Kristine mentions that sometimes culturally diverse clients who speak a different language are admitted to their unit. In communicating with these clients, Shella is aware that she should:

Accepted Answer

It is best to have an interpreter present when communicating with clients who speak different language. This is arranged by the nurse. Choices A and B are inappropriate and are ineffective ways in which to communicate. Choice D is inappropriate because it violates privacy and does not ensure correct translation.

Question 20

You are resigning from your work as a patient care technician. What is the most appropriate action for you to take?

Accepted Answer

Whatever the reason for resigning, you need to tell your employer. Do not leave a job without notice. The most appropriate way of doing this is to write a resignation letter indicating your reason for leaving, last date you will work, and gratitude to the employer for the opportunity to work in the agency.

Quiz 6: Professional Responsibilities and Safety

The appropriate time for labeling a patient specimen is:

While in the lab, Phil is asked to call the nursing station to inform the nursing staff of an elevated lab result of a patient. Phil is hesitant to do this because he believes it may be a breach of confidentiality. Is Phil correct?

Chain of custody refers to which of the following?

An amendment created to ensure accurate laboratory results was passed in 1988 and enacted in 1992; it applies to every American clinical laboratory. What is the name of this amendment?

All of the following are considered requirements for a quality specimen except:

The purpose of an incident report is:

The supervisor is orienting newly hired patient care technicians to the policies of the facility and their job responsibilities. The supervisor reminds them that they can refuse to perform a task for any the following reasons except:

Which of the following statements is true about implementing an advanced directive?

Anita overheard a co-worker saying that the nurse assigned to their floor is having an illicit affair with a physician. Anita then informs the supervisor of this information. Which of the following statements best describe the situation?

If the agency wishes to do a background check on the newly hired patient care technician, who is the correct authority to provide such information?

Kristine (RN) is orienting Shella, the new certified patient care technician, to the unit. Kristine mentions that sometimes culturally diverse clients who speak a different language are admitted to their unit. In communicating with these clients, Shella is aware that she should:

Which of the following statements is true about implementing an advanced directive?

The supervisor is orienting newly hired patient care technicians to the policies of the facility and their job responsibilities. The supervisor reminds them that they can refuse to perform a task for any the following reasons except:

Anita overheard a co-worker saying that the nurse assigned to their floor is having an illicit affair with a physician. Anita then informs the supervisor of this information. Which of the following statements best describe the situation?

Kristine (RN) is orienting Shella, the new certified patient care technician, to the unit. Kristine mentions that sometimes culturally diverse clients who speak a different language are admitted to their unit. In communicating with these clients, Shella is aware that she should:

You are resigning from your work as a patient care technician. What is the most appropriate action for you to take?