Final answer:
The patient experiencing a sharp, painful, and tingling sensation during a blood draw by a phlebotomy technician is likely suffering from a nerve injury. This complication requires immediate attention and response from the technician.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phlebotomy technician should recognize that the patient is likely experiencing a nerve injury. When a patient reports a sharp, tingling sensation radiating down the arm into the hand during venipuncture, it indicates that a nerve may have been accidentally punctured or irritated by the needle. This is distinct from other complications such as petechiae, which are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin; hematoma, a collection of blood outside of blood vessels; and hemoconcentration, which is a high concentration of blood cells due to decreased plasma volume. The technician must be cautious and respond appropriately, potentially discontinuing the draw applying pressure to the area, and notifying a supervisor or physician of the complication.