Final answer:
A phlebotomist must hold pressure on an arterial puncture for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure hemostasis. This is necessary because arterial blood is under higher pressure and requires more time for a stable clot to form after an arterial stick, compared to venipunctures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum amount of time that a phlebotomist should hold pressure on an arterial puncture site is indeed typically 3 to 5 minutes. This is important to ensure hemostasis, or the cessation of blood loss, at the puncture site. Arterial sticks are generally more complex than venipunctures due to the higher pressure in arteries and the risk of blood spilling or hematoma formation. Therefore, adequate pressure after the procedure is crucial for patient safety and to prevent complications such as excessive bleeding or bruising.
After an arterial stick, which is a procedure to collect blood from an artery for blood gases analysis, the phlebotomist must apply direct pressure to the site to counteract the arterial blood pressure and facilitate clot formation. It is the combination of pressure and the body's natural coagulation process which seals the puncture, allowing for safe healing. The process requires careful attention to ensure that enough time has elapsed for a stable clot to form without causing additional discomfort or harm to the patient.