Patient PreparationQuestion 85 of 100
A swelling appears rapidly at the site while the tube is filling. What should the phlebotomist do?
a.Tighten the tourniquet to slow the swelling
b.Continue until the tube is full, then apply a bandage
c.Release the tourniquet, remove the needle, and apply firm direct pressure for several minutes
d.Massage the area to disperse the blood
Explanation
Rapid swelling indicates a hematoma from blood leaking into tissue, so the draw is stopped and firm direct pressure is applied for several minutes, longer if the patient takes anticoagulants. Tightening the tourniquet increases venous pressure and worsens the leak. Continuing the draw enlarges the hematoma, and massaging spreads blood through the tissue and increases bruising.
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Related questions on this topic
- A 9-year-old is brought for a blood draw by an adult neighbor with no documented authorization. What should the phlebotomist do?
- A competent adult inpatient refuses the ordered blood draw. What is the correct response?
- Midway through a draw an outpatient becomes pale, sweaty and says the room is spinning. What is the first action?
- On needle insertion the patient reports sudden shooting, electric pain radiating to the hand. What should be done?
- Small red pinpoint spots appear on the arm under the tourniquet. What do they indicate?
- During a draw the blood is bright red and pulses into the tube, filling it very quickly. What should the phlebotomist do?
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