Phlebotomy Plan

CPT practice question: Patient Preparation

Patient PreparationDifficulty 3/5

A patient has an arteriovenous fistula in the left arm. How does this affect site selection?

  1. AThe fistula arm is avoided and an alternative site is assessed instead
  2. BThe fistula arm is used below the fistula to avoid disturbing it directly
  3. CThe fistula arm is used with a smaller gauge needle than would be usual
  4. DThe fistula arm is used only when the tourniquet is applied above it
Show answer and rationale

Correct: A. Knowledge statement k49 lists the presence of fistulas among the special considerations affecting collection, and task 2O requires site determination against CLSI standards to minimise patient risk.

  • B — Drawing anywhere in the fistula limb risks the access the patient depends on.
  • C — Needle gauge does not make the fistula limb an acceptable site.
  • D — Applying a tourniquet to a fistula limb is itself contraindicated.

Concept being tested

20 of the 100 scored items. Diversity, cultural sensitivity and empathy; communication with patients and colleagues; obtaining and verifying the requisition; patient identification using specific identifiers; implied, informed and expressed consent, including consent from a legal guardian; insurance and billing; verifying compliance with fasting, medication and basal-state requirements; interviewing for allergies, medical history and a history of fainting; positioning; and determining the venipuncture site against CLSI standards. — 20% of the exam. Study guide for Patient Preparation.

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Primary references

  1. NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) — Test Plan for the CPT Exam — National Healthcareer Association (NHA) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22
Last reviewed: 2026-10-07Reviewed by: Maria Torres, CPT, RMA (AMT), Clinical laboratory educator & venipuncture safety reviewHow we verify facts