NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which patient condition is inappropriate for drawing blood?

1. Standing

2. Nervous

3. Unable to make a fist

4. Not fasting

The correct answer is: Standing

Drawing blood from a patient in a standing position can present several challenges and risks that make it inappropriate. When a patient stands, there is a higher likelihood of syncope (fainting) during the venipuncture procedure due to the sudden drop in blood pressure that can occur when blood is drawn. During this process, the patient may feel lightheaded or dizzy, which could lead to falls or injury if they are not seated. In contrast, the other conditions listed do not typically contraindicate blood draws. A nervous patient may experience anxiety, which can make the procedure more difficult but does not prevent blood collection. Being unable to make a fist may affect the visibility of veins, but alternative techniques can be employed to still successfully draw blood. Lastly, not fasting is relevant for specific tests but does not generally prevent blood collection itself; it may affect the results, but the procedure can still be performed safely.