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Vascular Access Exam Prep

Category - Vascular Access Practice Test

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The nurse is in a patients’ room, about to collect a blood specimen. During her examination of the patient’s arm for a potential site, she observes areas of pinpoint, red dots scattered over both of the patient’s arms. What is the clinical name for this phenomenon, and what does the presence of pinpoint red dots indicate?
  1. It is known as petechiae, indicating possible excessive bleeding after blood collection.
  2. It is known as measles, indicating possible infectious disease exposure.
  3. It is known as psoriasis, indicating a possible skin disorder and should be avoided as a potential venipuncture site.
Explanation
Answer: A - The appearance of pinpoint red dots on the body is known as petechiae, and is significant because it may indicate possible excessive bleeding after blood withdrawal. Petechiae are caused by the leaking of blood from tiny blood vessels into surrounding tissues. This phenomenon is seen in patients with coagulation disorders or diseases causing problems with coagulation, or possibly, but not always, in a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy.
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