Discontinue draw and apply direct pressure should be used when:

Discontinue draw and apply direct pressure should be used when:

• A. After a successful draw
• B. During early venipuncture
• C. If the patient requests
• D. When a hematoma starts to form

Answer: (D)

When a hematoma begins to form at the puncture site, stop drawing and apply firm direct pressure. The hematoma means blood is leaking into the surrounding tissue, so continuing the draw would worsen the injury. Releasing the tourniquet, removing the needle if it’s still in place, and placing clean gauze over the site to hold pressure helps seal the vessel and kick-start clot formation. Maintain pressure for several minutes (often about five, longer if bleeding risk is present) and monitor the area for ongoing bleeding or swelling. This action is specific to the appearance of a hematoma and isn’t the response after a successful draw, nor is it a response to patient request or to starting venipuncture.

When a hematoma begins to form at the puncture site, stop drawing and apply firm direct pressure. The hematoma means blood is leaking into the surrounding tissue, so continuing the draw would worsen the injury. Releasing the tourniquet, removing the needle if it’s still in place, and placing clean gauze over the site to hold pressure helps seal the vessel and kick-start clot formation. Maintain pressure for several minutes (often about five, longer if bleeding risk is present) and monitor the area for ongoing bleeding or swelling. This action is specific to the appearance of a hematoma and isn’t the response after a successful draw, nor is it a response to patient request or to starting venipuncture.