Collection Complications and Corrections Flashcards

Which nerve is most commonly injured during venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?

Answer: Median cutaneous nerve

The median cutaneous nerve runs close to the basilic vein in the antecubital area and is the nerve most commonly injured during blood collection.

What action should be taken when a patient has a mastectomy on one side?

Answer: Draw from the arm on the opposite side

Blood should be drawn from the arm opposite to the mastectomy because lymph node removal can impair circulation and immune function, increasing infection risk.

A patient develops petechiae on their arm after tourniquet application. What does this indicate?

Answer: Platelet dysfunction or capillary fragility

Petechiae (tiny red spots) after tourniquet application indicate that small capillaries are breaking under pressure, suggesting platelet dysfunction or fragile capillary walls.

What is the appropriate response if a phlebotomist accidentally punctures an artery during routine venipuncture?

Answer: Remove the needle immediately and apply firm pressure for at least 5 minutes

An accidental arterial puncture requires immediate needle removal and sustained firm pressure for at least 5 minutes to prevent a large hematoma due to arterial pressure.

Which of the following is a consequence of prolonged tourniquet application (more than 1 minute)?

Answer: Hemoconcentration of large molecules

Prolonged tourniquet time causes hemoconcentration as fluid shifts from the vascular space into tissues, increasing the concentration of large molecules like proteins and cells.

A specimen collected in a light blue-top tube is received by the lab with a fill level at only 50%. What will the lab most likely do?

Answer: Reject the specimen

Light blue-top (sodium citrate) tubes require a precise blood-to-anticoagulant ratio (9:1). Underfilling changes this ratio and invalidates coagulation test results.