NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Collection RoutineMedium
After performing a venipuncture, a phlebotomy technician notices a small amount of blood leaking from the site and forming a lump under the skin. This indicates the formation of which of the following?
- AThrombophlebitis.
- BHematoma.
- CPetechiae.
- DPhlebitis.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Hematoma.
A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often caused by blood leaking from the venipuncture site into the surrounding tissue, presenting as a bruise or lump.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Thrombophlebitis is phlebitis associated with a thrombus (blood clot), also not an immediate lump of blood leaking from the site.
- C. Petechiae are tiny pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin, not a lump of blood under the skin.
- D. Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, typically characterized by pain, redness, and swelling along the vein, not an immediate lump of blood.
Hematoma
A hematoma is a localized swelling or lump caused by blood leaking from a blood vessel into the surrounding tissue, often observed after venipuncture.
- Common complication of venipuncture.
- Appears as a bruise or lump.
- Caused by blood escaping the vein.
Memory trick: Post-draw lumps? Think 'H' for Hematoma!