NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

A phlebotomist needs to draw blood from a child. Which site is typically the safest for a pediatric venipuncture?

1. Foot.

2. Wrist.

3. Head.

4. Elbow.

The correct answer is: Foot.

The safest site for pediatric venipuncture is typically the foot. In infants and young children, the veins in the feet are often more accessible and larger relative to the size of the child's anatomy compared to other sites. Additionally, drawing blood from the foot minimizes the risk of injury to surrounding structures and can reduce the discomfort for the child. For a child, the veins in the elbow area, while accessible, can be less suitable due to the potential for movement during the procedure, which may increase the risk of complications. The wrist also presents safety concerns; the possibility of hitting the radial artery or a nearby nerve is higher in this area. The head may be used in certain situations, particularly in very young infants, but it is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary due to the risk of complications and the need for special handling. Thus, selecting the foot as the site balances accessibility and minimizes risk, making it the safest option among the choices.