Final answer:
One characteristic of pediatric patients that may make venipuncture challenging is their smaller veins and limited blood volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
One characteristic of pediatric patients that may make venipuncture challenging is their smaller veins and limited blood volume.
Due to the smaller size of their veins, pediatric patients can have difficulty finding an appropriate vein for venipuncture. Additionally, their limited blood volume increases the risk of overdraw and can make it challenging to obtain an adequate sample.
To overcome these challenges, healthcare professionals often use smaller needles, specialized techniques, and distraction techniques to minimize discomfort and improve the success rate of venipuncture in pediatric patients.