Master Specimen Collection Techniques in Medical Assisting

Question 1

In blood collection, the primary factor to consider when choosing a vein is:

Accepted Answer

Size and visibility of the vein

Answer

Patient's preference

Answer

Patient's age

Question 2

When collecting a stool sample from a patient with a suspected gastrointestinal infection, which personal protective equipment (PPE) should you wear?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, mask, gown

Answer

Gloves, apron, goggles

Answer

Mask, face shield, gloves

Question 3

What action can contaminate a urine specimen?

Accepted Answer

Touching the inside of the container

Answer

Using a sterile container

Answer

Collecting a midstream specimen

Answer

Adding a preservative to the specimen

Question 4

When collecting a blood sample from a vein, the tourniquet should be applied how far above the puncture site?

Accepted Answer

5-6 inches

Answer

Immediately below

Answer

1-2 inches

Answer

10-12 inches

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of using an anticoagulant in a blood collection tube?

Accepted Answer

To prevent blood clotting

Answer

To enhance specimen stability

Answer

To reduce pain during collection

Answer

To preserve cellular integrity

Question 6

Which type of needle is commonly used for venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Butterfly needle

Answer

Hub needle

Answer

Spinal needle

Answer

Aspiration needle

Question 7

For sputum collection, patients should be instructed to:

Accepted Answer

Cough deeply and expectorate into a sterile container

Answer

Rinse their mouth with mouthwash before expectorating

Answer

Gargle with water and spit into a container

Question 8

What is the recommended temperature range for storing urine specimens until analysis?

Accepted Answer

Refrigerated (2-8 degrees Celsius)

Answer

Incubated (37 degrees Celsius)

Answer

Room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius)

Answer

Frozen (-20 degrees Celsius)

Question 9

Which aspect of specimen collection is crucial for ensuring reliable laboratory results?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining specimen integrity

Answer

Ensuring patient comfort

Answer

Using appealing collection containers

Answer

Following a preferred labeling style

Question 10

Which blood collection method is commonly used for routine laboratory tests?

Accepted Answer

Venipuncture

Answer

Arterial puncture (only used in specific clinical situations)

Answer

Capillary puncture (used for specific tests like glucose monitoring)

Answer

Bone marrow aspiration (a more invasive procedure used for specific diagnostic purposes)

Question 11

When performing venipuncture, the recommended site is the:

Accepted Answer

Antecubital fossa

Answer

Femoral vein

Answer

Dorsum of the hand

Answer

Radial vein

Question 12

When collecting a stool specimen for occult blood testing, it is crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Use a clean container and avoid contamination

Answer

Dilute the specimen with water

Answer

Collect the specimen from the toilet bowl

Answer

Use a large container to ensure sufficient volume

Question 13

Which of the following factors can significantly affect the accuracy of a laboratory specimen?

Accepted Answer

Pre-analytical variables

Answer

Post-analytical variables

Answer

Patient demographics

Answer

Analytical variables

Question 14

The primary purpose of utilizing sterile materials during specimen collection is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent contamination of the specimen

Answer

Ensure patient comfort

Answer

Minimize the pain experienced by the patient

Answer

Enhance the yield of the specimen

Question 15

In the event that a specimen is collected in an incorrect container, the appropriate course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Recollect the specimen in the correct container

Answer

Discard the specimen and avoid recollection

Answer

Label the container correctly and send it to the laboratory regardless

Answer

Use the incorrect container despite the error

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of adding an anticoagulant to a blood collection tube?

Accepted Answer

To prevent blood clot formation.

Answer

To inactivate pathogens.

Answer

To promote cell growth.

Answer

To preserve blood glucose levels.

Question 17

For a midstream urine specimen, which collection method is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Clean catch

Answer

24-hour

Answer

Random

Answer

Timed

Question 18

Which of the following is considered a quality control measure in specimen collection?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing patient information for accuracy

Answer

Using outdated equipment

Answer

Omitting patient identification

Answer

Neglecting to check specimen container integrity

Question 19

What measure is essential to ensure accurate and standardized results in urine analysis?

Accepted Answer

Using a standardized collection container

Answer

Not refrigerating the specimen

Answer

Collecting urine at any time of day

Answer

Allowing the patient to void directly into the container

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct order for collecting blood specimens in an evacuated tube system?

Accepted Answer

Apply tourniquet, perform skin puncture, collect specimen, release tourniquet

Answer

Collect specimen, apply tourniquet, perform skin puncture, release tourniquet

Answer

Apply tourniquet, collect specimen, perform skin puncture, release tourniquet

Answer

Perform skin puncture, apply tourniquet, collect specimen, release tourniquet

Question 21

For a urinalysis, what type of urine specimen should be collected?

Accepted Answer

Midstream clean-catch specimen

Answer

Random specimen

Answer

Timed specimen

Answer

24-hour specimen

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of a specimen label?

Accepted Answer

To uniquely identify the specimen and the patient associated with it

Answer

To indicate the test(s) ordered for the specimen

Answer

To track the handling and processing of the specimen

Answer

To provide instructions on how to collect the specimen

Question 23

If a blood specimen hemolyzes, what action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Collect a new specimen

Answer

Report the hemolysis to the laboratory

Answer

Centrifuge the specimen to remove the lysed cells

Answer

Add anticoagulant to the specimen

Question 24

What is the recommended temperature range for storing most blood specimens?

Accepted Answer

2-8 degrees Celsius (36-46 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

37-40 degrees Celsius (98.6-104 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

-20 to -15 degrees Celsius (-4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

15-30 degrees Celsius (59-86 degrees Fahrenheit)

Question 25

What is the function of anticoagulants in blood collection?

Accepted Answer

To prevent blood coagulation

Answer

To enhance specimen stability

Answer

To lyse red blood cells

Question 26

Which of the following is a recommended practice to prevent cross-contamination during specimen collection?

Accepted Answer

Changing gloves between patients

Answer

Collecting specimens from different patients into a single container

Answer

Using the same needle for multiple collections

Answer

Reusing specimen containers

Question 27

Why is it important to use a sterile container for urine collection?

Accepted Answer

To prevent specimen contamination

Answer

To enhance specimen visibility

Answer

To facilitate specimen transport

Answer

To improve specimen stability

Question 28

What is the most important reason for maintaining specimen integrity and preventing contamination during collection?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring accurate and reliable laboratory test results.

Answer

Minimizing discomfort for the patient.

Answer

Protecting patient safety.

Answer

Meeting legal requirements.

Question 29

Which type of blood collection tube is typically used for a complete blood count (CBC)?

Accepted Answer

EDTA (lavender top)

Answer

Sodium citrate (blue top)

Answer

Serum separator (red top)

Answer

Heparin (green top)

Question 30

When labeling a specimen container, which piece of information is NOT typically required?

Accepted Answer

Patient's social security number

Answer

Date and time of collection

Answer

Type of specimen

Answer

Patient's name

Question 31

Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the medical assistant during specimen collection?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring proper patient identification

Answer

Interpreting laboratory results

Answer

Performing laboratory tests

Answer

Diagnosing patient conditions

Question 32

In specimen collection, the most crucial aspect is prioritizing:

Accepted Answer

Patient safety and comfort

Answer

Using advanced devices

Answer

Rapid collection

Answer

Donning excessive personal protective equipment

Question 33

During blood collection, the tourniquet should be applied:

Accepted Answer

3-4 inches above the venipuncture site

Answer

Only if the vein is difficult to locate

Answer

Tightly, directly on the venipuncture site

Answer

Distally, away from the venipuncture site

Question 34

When preparing for blood culture collection, the optimal skin cleanser is:

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol

Answer

Plain soap and water

Answer

Povidone-iodine

Question 35

A patient declines blood collection. The most appropriate action for the medical assistant is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect their decision and inform the ordering physician

Answer

Restraint and proceed with blood draw

Answer

Attempt to persuade the patient

Question 36

For routine urinalysis, the most commonly collected specimen is:

Accepted Answer

Random urine specimen

Answer

Timed urine specimen

Answer

First morning urine specimen

Question 37

The purpose of the chain of custody process in specimen handling is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain a documented chronological history of the specimen

Answer

Prevent specimen misidentification

Answer

Ensure proper temperature control

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT considered personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling bodily fluids?

Accepted Answer

Scrubs

Answer

Mask

Answer

Gloves

Answer

Gown

Question 39

When educating patients collecting stool samples for occult blood, they should be advised to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid certain medications like NSAIDs

Answer

Drink plenty of water

Answer

Exercise regularly

Answer

Consume a high-fiber diet

Question 40

The most common method for obtaining a capillary blood sample is:

Accepted Answer

Fingerstick

Answer

Heel stick

Answer

Venipuncture

Answer

Arterial puncture

Question 41

Before sending a specimen to the laboratory, it is essential to verify:

Accepted Answer

Patient's identification, date and time of collection, and requested tests

Answer

Ordering physician's name and contact details

Answer

Insurance information and date of birth

Question 42

Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when choosing a venipuncture site?

Accepted Answer

Condition of the vein

Answer

Patient's comfort level

Answer

Patient's age

Answer

Location of the vein

Question 43

A patient is scheduled for a blood glucose test. Which type of specimen is required?

Accepted Answer

Capillary blood

Answer

Stool

Answer

Venous blood

Answer

Urine

Question 44

What is the proper procedure for collecting a urine specimen for a culture and sensitivity test?

Accepted Answer

Clean-catch midstream

Answer

Random void

Answer

24-hour collection

Answer

First morning void

Question 45

A patient has been instructed to collect a stool specimen for a fecal occult blood test. What is the most important instruction to give the patient?

Accepted Answer

Avoid red meat and certain medications for 3 days before the test

Answer

Collect the specimen in a sterile container

Answer

Refrigerate the specimen immediately

Question 46

When collecting a blood specimen using a syringe, what is the proper order of steps?

Accepted Answer

Apply tourniquet, select vein, clean site, draw blood, release tourniquet

Answer

Apply tourniquet, clean site, select vein, draw blood, release tourniquet

Answer

Select vein, apply tourniquet, clean site, draw blood, release tourniquet

Question 47

What is the primary reason for inverting blood tubes after collection?

Accepted Answer

To ensure proper mixing of anticoagulant with the blood

Answer

To separate serum from plasma

Answer

To prevent clotting

Question 48

What is the correct procedure for labeling a specimen container?

Accepted Answer

Label with the patient's name, date, time of collection, and test ordered

Answer

Label with the patient's name, date of birth, and test ordered

Answer

Label with the patient's name, time of collection, and test ordered

Question 49

A patient is experiencing a fainting episode during a venipuncture procedure. What is the first action you should take?

Accepted Answer

Remove the needle and tourniquet

Answer

Call for emergency medical assistance

Answer

Administer oxygen

Answer

Apply a cold compress to the patient's forehead

Question 50

A patient refuses to have a blood specimen drawn. What is the appropriate action to take?

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal and inform the physician

Answer

Convince the patient that it is necessary

Answer

Offer alternative options for testing

Answer

Proceed with the venipuncture anyway