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
16
Q
How do you avoid collection/processing errors?
A
- Attention to detail and label tubes in front of patient
17
Q
Syncope
A
- Sudden lack of blood supply to brain
- Solution: Place their head between their legs and cold compress to neck.
- Call for doctor, don’t leave them, stop draw
18
Q
How do you react when someone seizes?
A
- Stop draw, call for help, move stuff so they don’t hit it
19
Q
External Hemorrhage
A
-Solution: Elevate damaged member above heart lvl & apply direct pressure.
- Don’t elevate broken member
20
Q
Shock
A
- Insufficient return of blood flow to the heart. Leads to inadequate supply of oxygen to all organs
21
Q
Shock Symptoms
A
- Pale, cold, clammy skin
- Rapid. weak pulse
- Increased, shallow breathing rate
- Expressionless face/staring eyes
22
Q
What do you do if pt has latex allergy?
A
Use blood pressure cuff as an alternative but don’t inflate more than 40
23
Q
How do you react when someone goes into shock?
A
- Maintain & Open Airway
- Call for help
- Have Pt lye down
- Try to control bleeding
- Keep them warm
- Elevate Feet
