Medical Assistant NCMA Practice Test

Answer: C - If a hematoma develops while collecting a blood specimen, the proper response is to loosen the tourniquet, remove the needle, and apply pressure to the site. Hematomas are more common in older adults and caused by blood leaking out of the vessel under the skin. Hematomas form when the needle pierces through the entire vessel, or-in Phil’s case-when the needle dislodges during a collection tube exchange. Older adults are prone to hematomas because of the aging process; they have less subcutaneous tissue and thinner skin and vessel walls. A hematoma will result in bruising.