Phlebotomy and Cannulation Mock Exam

A knowledge check on venepuncture and peripheral cannulation for healthcare staff. It covers patient identification and consent, vein selection, tourniquet use, order of draw, sample labelling, sharps safety, needlestick injuries, common complications and cannula care.

Practice quiz

20 questions

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Question 1. Before taking blood, how should you confirm you have the right patient?

Ask them to state their full name and date of birth, and check these against the request form
Ask "Are you John Smith?" and wait for them to say yes
Check the name on the bed or chair they are sitting in
Ask the person who brought them in to confirm their name

Question 2. A patient attends for a routine blood test. What do you need before you take the sample?

Nothing, because a routine blood test does not need consent
Their informed agreement after you explain the procedure, which can be given verbally
Written consent signed by a doctor
Consent from a relative, even if the patient has capacity

Question 3. Which vein is usually the first choice for routine venepuncture in adults?

A vein on the inside of the wrist
A vein in the foot
The median cubital vein at the inside of the elbow
The femoral vein in the groin

Question 4. A patient has kidney dialysis through an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in their left arm. Where should you take blood from?

The fistula itself, because the blood flow is good
The left arm, just above the fistula
Either arm, as long as you use a smaller needle
The right arm, avoiding the arm with the fistula

Question 5. Why should the tourniquet not be left on for a long time during venepuncture?

It can change the blood results, for example by concentrating the sample
It makes the vein harder to find
It stops the patient feeling the needle
There is no problem leaving it on for as long as needed

Question 6. You have cleaned the skin and let it dry, but you want to feel the vein again. What should you do?

Feel the vein with a gloved finger and insert the needle straight away
Feel the vein, then clean the skin again and let it dry before inserting the needle
Blow on the skin to dry it faster after feeling the vein
Wipe your glove with alcohol and carry on

Question 7. How should the needle be positioned when entering the vein for venepuncture?

Bevel down, at 90 degrees to the skin
Bevel up, at about 60 to 90 degrees
Bevel up, at a shallow angle of about 30 degrees or less
Bevel to the side, at 45 degrees

Question 8. You need blood cultures and several other blood tubes from the same venepuncture. What should you fill first?

The EDTA (full blood count) tube
The fluoride (glucose) tube
Whichever tube is nearest
The blood culture bottles

Question 9. After filling a blood tube that contains an additive, what should you do?

Gently invert it the recommended number of times
Shake it hard so the additive mixes quickly
Leave it flat and do not move it
Tap it against the table to remove air bubbles

Question 10. When should blood sample tubes be labelled?

Before you see the patient, to save time
At the patient's side, straight after taking the blood
Back at the desk once you have finished all your patients
Only if the laboratory asks for it

Question 11. You have collected all the blood you need. What is the correct order for finishing?

Remove the needle, then release the tourniquet
Remove the needle and leave the tourniquet on for a minute
Release the tourniquet, remove the needle, then apply pressure
Apply pressure with the needle still in place, then release the tourniquet

Question 12. After the needle is removed from the inside of the elbow, how should the patient hold the gauze?

Bend the arm up tightly over the gauze
Rub the site firmly to stop the bleeding
Leave the gauze resting on top without pressing
Press on the gauze with the arm kept straight

Question 13. What should you do with the used needle straight after venepuncture?

Put it straight into a sharps container at the point of use
Put the cap back on, then dispose of it later
Put it on the tray to clear away at the end of the clinic
Hand it to a colleague to dispose of

Question 14. You get a needlestick injury from a used needle. What should you do first?

Suck the wound, then carry on with your shift
Let it bleed gently, wash with soap and running water, cover it and report it straight away
Scrub the wound hard with a nail brush and alcohol gel
Wait until the end of your shift and see if you feel unwell

Question 15. During venepuncture, the patient says they feel a sharp, electric shock-like pain shooting down their arm. What should you do?

Push the needle further in to find the vein
Move the needle around until the pain stops
Stop, release the tourniquet, remove the needle and apply pressure
Ask the patient to keep still while you finish filling the tubes

Question 16. During venepuncture, the patient goes pale, sweaty and says they feel faint. What should you do?

Carry on quickly so you can finish before they faint
Help them stand up and walk around
Give them a hot drink while you finish the blood test
Stop, remove the tourniquet and needle, and help them lie down with their legs raised

Question 17. Which skin antiseptic is recommended before inserting a peripheral cannula?

2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol, allowed to dry fully
Soap and water, then insert while the skin is still wet
Alcohol gel rubbed on with your gloved hand
No cleaning is needed if the skin looks clean

Question 18. What is the general rule when choosing a peripheral cannula size?

Always use the largest cannula the vein will take
Use the smallest gauge and shortest cannula that will deliver the treatment
Use the same size for every patient
Choose the size with the highest number, whatever the treatment

Question 19. A patient's cannula site is painful, red and swollen along the vein. What should happen?

Leave it in place and check it again in 3 days
Flush it harder to clear the vein
Remove the cannula and re-site it elsewhere if it is still needed
Cover it with a larger dressing so the patient cannot see it

Question 20. When should a peripheral cannula be removed?

Only when the patient is discharged
Only if it stops working completely
It should stay in for at least 7 days in case it is needed
As soon as it is no longer needed, or if there are signs of a problem