American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

What is a common complication for phlebotomists to avoid when drawing blood?

1. Infection

2. Hematoma

3. Phlebitis

4. Allergic reaction

The correct answer is: Hematoma

Hematoma is a common complication that can occur during blood collection, and it arises when blood leaks from the vessel into the surrounding tissue. This can happen if the needle punctures through the vein or if there is inadequate pressure applied after the needle is removed. It's important for phlebotomists to follow proper techniques to ensure that the vein is punctured correctly and that sufficient pressure is applied after the procedure to prevent blood from pooling in the tissue, which leads to the formation of a hematoma. While other complications such as infection, phlebitis, and allergic reactions can occur, they are generally less common in the immediate context of drawing blood compared to hematoma formation. Infection typically results from improper sterile techniques, phlebitis refers to inflammation of the vein often caused by irritants or trauma, and allergic reactions may stem from materials used during the procedure, but these are not as frequently encountered in the routine practice of phlebotomy as hematoma formation. Thus, avoiding hematoma formation is a key focus for phlebotomists to ensure patient safety and comfort.