Question

A phlebotomy technician is selecting a site to collect a blood specimen from a patient. After applying a tourniquet, the technician sees no apparent vein to use for the venipuncture. Which of the following actions should the technician take?

A. apply and inflate a blood pressure cuff to 60mm Hg
B. puncture the area where the patient's vein should be located
C. tap the area repeatedly until a vein appears
D. have the patient dangle her arm for 1-2 min

Answer 1

The phlebotomy technician should have the patient dangle her arm for 1-2 minutes to allow gravity to pull blood into the veins and make them more visible.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a phlebotomy technician cannot find an apparent vein after applying a tourniquet, there are certain actions they can take. The correct action to take in this situation is option D: have the patient dangle her arm for 1-2 minutes. This allows gravity to pull blood into the veins, making them more visible and accessible.