Complications during venipuncture Flashcards
1
Q
Hematoma
A
- Most common complication
- Blood has accumulated in tissue around the vein
- Causes: Needle going through vein &/or failure to apply enough pressure after withdrawal
- Fix: Pressure for 2 min on venipuncture and 5 for arterial puncture
2
Q
Hemoconcentration
A
- Increase in formed elements to plasma
- Cause: Tourniquet left on more than 2 minutes
3
Q
Phlebitis
A
- Inflammation of a vein
- Cause: Repeated venipuncture on the vein
- Treatment: Ice and Pressure
4
Q
Petechiae
A
- Small red dots around tourniquet
- Cause: Tourniquet being left on too long or too tight
- Treatment: Complete draw and apply pressure to help
5
Q
Thrombus
A
- Blood clot
- Caused: Insufficient pressure after needle withdrawal
- If already has thrombus do not draw
6
Q
Thrombophlebitis
A
- Inflammation of a vein with formation of a clot
7
Q
Septicemia
A
- Systemic infection caused by presence of pathogen introduced during venipuncture
8
Q
Trauma
A
- Injury to underlying tissues caused by needle probing
9
Q
Excessive Bleeding
A
- Cause: Patient on blood thinners (Heparin, Warfarin, Aspirin)
- Solution: Pressure
10
Q
Severe Pain
A
- Shouldn’t be longer than few minutes
- Solution: Ice, if not then physician
11
Q
Lack of Sensation
A
- Cause: Tourniquet being on too long. 60 seconds max. Or hitting a nerve.
- Solution: Stop draw, apply pressure. Long time needs doctor
12
Q
Excessive Bruising
A
- Bruising greater than gauze pad
- Solution: Pressure and coban
13
Q
Infection
A
- Signs: Red, swollen, pus
- Don’t draw, If someone’s infected a day or two after than needs to contact physician
14
Q
Patient feeling unwell
A
- Nauseated and therefore need to contact physician
15
Q
Nerve Damage
A
- Cause: Hit a nerve
- Avoid by not drawing basilic vein b/c it has a lot of nerves
