In which clinical scenario should a phlebotomist avoid using a tourniquet or modify technique?

In which clinical scenario should a phlebotomist avoid using a tourniquet or modify technique?

• A. In patients with edema
• B. In patients who are anxious
• C. In patients with visible veins
• D. In healthy volunteers

Answer: (A)

The main concept tested is recognizing when a tourniquet use can compromise a blood draw and the accuracy of test results. Edema in a limb changes how fluids and substances are distributed in the tissue, and it can make veins harder to locate and distend reliably. Placing a tourniquet on an edematous arm can worsen swelling, blur landmarks, and alter the blood sample composition, increasing the risk of hemoconcentration or other distortions that yield inaccurate laboratory values. Because of these factors, the best approach is to avoid using a tourniquet on an edematous limb or modify the technique—often by choosing a different site or using the minimum necessary intervention to obtain the specimen. In other scenarios, such as when veins are readily visible, in anxious patients, or in healthy volunteers, standard tourniquet use and technique are typically appropriate.

The main concept tested is recognizing when a tourniquet use can compromise a blood draw and the accuracy of test results. Edema in a limb changes how fluids and substances are distributed in the tissue, and it can make veins harder to locate and distend reliably. Placing a tourniquet on an edematous arm can worsen swelling, blur landmarks, and alter the blood sample composition, increasing the risk of hemoconcentration or other distortions that yield inaccurate laboratory values. Because of these factors, the best approach is to avoid using a tourniquet on an edematous limb or modify the technique—often by choosing a different site or using the minimum necessary intervention to obtain the specimen. In other scenarios, such as when veins are readily visible, in anxious patients, or in healthy volunteers, standard tourniquet use and technique are typically appropriate.