NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Before placing a call on hold, a phlebotomist should primarily do which of the following?

1. Record the caller's name

2. Check to see if it is an emergency

3. Transfer the call to the supervisor

4. Introduce themselves to the caller

The correct answer is: Check to see if it is an emergency

The appropriate action for a phlebotomist before placing a call on hold is to assess whether the situation is an emergency. This choice is critical because emergencies require immediate attention and cannot be delayed. By checking for an emergency, the phlebotomist ensures that any urgent needs of the caller are addressed first, which prioritizes patient welfare and aligns with the best practices in healthcare settings. Understanding the urgency of a situation helps in managing time effectively and ensuring that essential health services are provided without unnecessary delays. Allowing an emergency call to be placed on hold can lead to severe consequences for the caller and could compromise patient safety. Other options, like recording the caller's name, transferring the call, or introducing oneself, while important in other contexts, do not take precedence over confirming the nature of the call. The need to prioritize emergencies over administrative tasks or introductions underlines the duty of care that health professionals have toward their patients.