Common venipuncture complications and special draw considerations for pediatric and geriatric patients.
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- What is a hematoma in venipuncture?
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A swelling caused by blood leaking into the tissue around the puncture site.- What is the most common complication of venipuncture?
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Hematoma formation.- If a hematoma begins forming during a draw, what should you do immediately?
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Release the tourniquet, remove the needle, and apply direct pressure.- What causes hemoconcentration during venipuncture?
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Leaving the tourniquet on too long, causing fluid to leave the vessel while cells and large molecules stay behind.- The tourniquet should not be left on the arm for longer than ____.
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one minute- What is hemolysis in a blood specimen?
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Rupture of red blood cells that releases hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid.- What needle-related error during a draw can cause hemolysis?
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Using a needle gauge that is too small for the draw.- What is syncope?
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A sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, also called fainting.- What is the first action if a patient shows signs of fainting during a draw?
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Stop the draw and prevent the patient from falling or getting injured.- What are petechiae?
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Tiny red spots on the skin caused by minor capillary bleeding under the skin.- What might the presence of petechiae before a draw indicate?
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A possible bleeding or clotting disorder.- What can cause nerve injury during venipuncture?
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Inserting the needle too deeply or at the wrong angle, striking a nerve.- What symptom during needle insertion suggests possible nerve involvement?
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Sudden sharp, shooting pain or tingling radiating down the arm.- What should a phlebotomist do if a patient reports sharp shooting pain during needle insertion?
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Stop the draw and remove the needle immediately.- What is a sclerosed vein?
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A vein that has become hardened and scarred, often from repeated punctures.
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