Question

To avoid hemoconcentration during venipuncture, which of the following actions should a medical assistant take?

1) Apply a tourniquet above the area to be punctured
2) Ensure the patient is well-hydrated before the procedure
3) Use a small needle gauge
4) Release the tourniquet after the needle is inserted

Answer 1

Answer : All of these. To prevent hemoconcentration during venipuncture, a medical assistant should ensure the patient is well-hydrated before the procedure and release the tourniquet after inserting the needle.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prior to venipuncture, a medical assistant should make sure the patient is properly hydrated to prevent hemoconcentration. Reduced plasma content in the blood causes hemoconcentration, which raises the concentration of bigger molecules and cells in the blood. In order to avoid this, it is essential that the patient drink enough water. This keeps the blood volume and viscosity within normal ranges, which is good for reliable test results. Furthermore, even if a tourniquet above the area to be punctured is suitable, it should be released as soon as the needle is entered to restore normal blood flow and prevent the possibility of hemoconcentration, which can happen if the tourniquet is left on for an extended period of time.