Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam Practice Question

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Positioning the tourniquet 3 to 4 inches above the venipuncture site is essential as it helps engorge the veins, making them more visible and easier to access. This step is crucial for a successful procedure.

Wearing surgical gloves (Option A) is important for infection control but should occur after preparing the site. Labeling the specimen tube (Option B) should be done post-collection to ensure accurate identification. Inserting the needle at a 5° to 10° angle (Option C) is a technique detail that comes after vein selection, not a preparatory action. Thus, positioning the tourniquet is the appropriate first step.