Page 16 - ractice Exam Questions and rationales

venipuncture. Scarring can cause the area to be difficult to puncture and may obstruct blood
flow. So, the best approach is to draw blood from the hand using a winged infusion set (a.k.a.
butterfly). Use of an evacuated tube could collapse the vein due to the vacuum pressure. A
capillary puncture would not be the best approach because a venous draw on the hand would
give a superior specimen.
Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take in the event of a chemical
disinfectant spill?

A. clean the area thoroughly with soap and water

B. contact poison control for instructions

C. refer to the MSDS

D. apply baking soda to neutralize toxins

Your response:
refer to the MSDS
Correct response:
refer to the MSDS
Rationale: A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides healthcare workers with procedures
for working with substances safety to ensure regulatory compliance. If there is a spill, workers
should consult the MSDS (not contact poison control) before cleaning it to prevent unnecessary
exposure to anything that is a potential hazard. It is important to follow proper office protocol
and procedure whenever there is a spill (it may require a spill response team or fire department
involvement). Soap and water and baking soda may react with the chemical, and thus are not
good options.
Which of the following needle gauges is most commonly used for venipuncture?

A. 24-25

B. 21-23

C. 18-20

D. 16-17

Your response:
21-23
Correct response:
21-23
Rationale: The gauge of a needle refers to its outer diameter (smaller numbers= larger diameters
and vice versa). The most commonly used needle for venipuncture is a 21-23 gauge. The needle
size must be large enough to prevent hemolysis (break down of blood cells).