Practice Quiz

Phlebotomy Technician

Category - Complications

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Pheona the Phenomenal Phlebotomy Tech is performing a difficult venipuncture. She believes the needle has entered the vein and begins collecting the blood specimen, when she observes bright red, pulsating blood quickly filling the specimen container. Pheona removes the needle and applies pressure for 10 minutes. Why did she do this?
  1. Pheonas’ needle entered an artery.
  2. Pheona hit a nerve.
  3. Pheona was trying to prevent a hematoma.
Explanation
Answer: A - Pheona removed the needle and applied pressure because she realized the needle entered an artery. The potential for hitting an artery increases with the difficulty of the venipuncture. In an effort to find a suitable vein, the phlebotomist may enter “no poke” areas without realizing. A phlebotomist should never attempt venipuncture in the inner wrist area (radial) because the risk of puncturing the radial artery is great. Consider collecting the specimen by finger stick instead.
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