Phlebotomy Technician

Category - Puncture & Draws

What is the difference between the effects of asking a patient to hold a fist while applying a tourniquet, and the effects of applying warmth to a potential puncture site?
  1. Holding a fist while a tourniquet is applied engorges venous blood vessels, making palpitation easier.
  2. Application of heat causes dilation of blood vessels, allowing veins to fill with more blood.
  3. There is no difference; the effect is the same.
  4. A and C
Explanation
Answer: D -Requesting the patient to hold a fist while applying a tourniquet is a standard procedure at the start of all venipuncture procedures. The effect is venous engorgement; this allows easier identification of potential venipuncture sites by palpitation. The technique of applying warmth to a site is used for dilating blood vessels. This action will have the effect of increasing circulating blood to that area. Applying warmth to a newborn’s heel prior to a heel puncture is an example of this.
Was this helpful? Upvote!
Login to contribute your own answer or details

Top questions

Related questions

Most popular on PracticeQuiz