NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NHA Phlebotomy Certification Exam. Learn with study guides and multiple choice questions. Each question offers detailed explanations. Achieve success on your certification test.

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What is the function of erythrocytes in the blood?

Transport nutrients
Regulate temperature
Carry oxygen
Fight infection

The correct answer is: Carry oxygen

Erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells, play a critical role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and carries them to tissues and organs where the oxygen is utilized for cellular respiration. This function is essential for maintaining the energy levels required for various bodily functions and overall metabolism. In addition to oxygen transport, erythrocytes also assist in transporting some carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, back to the lungs for exhalation. This dual role of transporting gases is vital for maintaining the body’s acid-base balance and ensuring cells receive the oxygen they need to function properly. While other components of blood are involved in transporting nutrients, regulating temperature, and fighting infections, the primary and distinct function of erythrocytes specifically focuses on oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal.