Collection Complications and Corrections Flashcards

A patient develops a large, painful swelling at the venipuncture site during blood draw. What is the most likely complication?

Answer: Hematoma

A hematoma forms when blood leaks from the vein into the surrounding tissue, causing visible swelling and pain at the puncture site.

What should a phlebotomist do if a patient begins to faint during venipuncture?

Answer: Remove the needle, apply pressure, and lower the patient's head

The draw must be discontinued immediately. The needle is removed, pressure applied, and the patient's head lowered to restore blood flow to the brain.

Which of the following conditions makes a patient more susceptible to hematoma formation?

Answer: Anticoagulant therapy

Patients on anticoagulant therapy have impaired clotting ability, making them more prone to bleeding and hematoma formation at the puncture site.

A blood specimen appears hemolyzed (pink/red serum). Which of the following most likely caused this?

Answer: Drawing blood through an IV line

Drawing blood through an IV line can cause hemolysis because the fluid pressure and catheter bore size can damage red blood cells.

What is the most common cause of specimen rejection by the laboratory?

Answer: Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens are the most common reason for rejection because they pose the highest risk to patient safety from potential misidentification.

A phlebotomist notices the blood flow stops during venipuncture. What should be tried first?

Answer: Slightly reposition the needle by rotating or pulling back slightly

A slight repositioning of the needle (gentle rotation or pulling back) may restore blood flow if the bevel has lodged against the vein wall or passed through the vein.