Blood
What are the three main cellular components of blood?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets
Why do we ask the patient to make a fist before venipuncture?
To make veins more prominent
What is the main difference between an artery and a vein?
Arteries carry blood away; veins carry blood toward the heart
Why is the skin cleaned before inserting the needle?
To reduce the risk of infection
A patient has bright-red blood that appears to pulse from the needle. What might you have entered?
An artery
What is the main function of red blood cells?
Transport oxygen
What is the purpose of a tourniquet?
To restrict venous return and make veins more prominent
Which type of vessel commonly contains valves to prevent backflow?
Veins
Why should pressure be applied after removing the needle?
To stop bleeding and reduce hematoma formation
A patient develops a large bruise after blood collection. What likely happened?
Blood leaked into surrounding tissue, causing a hematoma
What is the normal lifespan of a red blood cell?
120 days
What should you do if a patient becomes dizzy during blood collection?
Stop the procedure and safely position the patient
Why are veins preferred over arteries for routine blood collection?
Lower pressure and generally easier/safer to access
What is hemolysis?
Rupture of RBCs, releasing hemoglobin
What are some common complications of venipuncture?
Hematoma, bleeding, infection, nerve injury, vasovagal reaction
What does the “+” in a blood group mean?
Rh(D) antigen is present
What can happen if a tourniquet is left on for too long?
Hemoconcentration, potentially affecting lab result
What is the most commonly used vein for venipuncture?
Median Cubital Vein
Why is the order of blood collection tubes important?
To prevent tube additives from contaminating other samples
What causes a hematoma during blood collection?
Blood leaking from the vein into surrounding tissue
What is the difference between serum and plasma?
Plasma contains clotting factors; serum does not
Which direction should the needle bevel face during venipuncture?
Bevel up
Where is the median cubital vein located?
Antecubital fossa, connecting the cephalic and basilic veins
What happens if you underfill a coagulation tube?
Incorrect blood-to-and citrate ratio, causing inaccurate coagulation results
What should you do if swelling develops around the cannula site?
Stop the procedure/infusion and assess the site; possible infiltration