NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What does allowing blood to leak from a vein into the surrounding tissue result in?

1. Hematoma

2. Hemolysis

3. Nerve damage

4. Syncope

The correct answer is: Hematoma

Allowing blood to leak from a vein into the surrounding tissue results in the formation of a hematoma. A hematoma occurs when blood vessels are damaged during a procedure, such as venipuncture, causing blood to escape from the vessel and accumulate in the surrounding tissues. This can lead to swelling, discoloration, and tenderness around the area of the puncture site. In contrast, hemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells, which could occur due to mishandling of blood samples but is not directly related to leaking blood into tissue. Nerve damage could result from improper technique during phlebotomy but does not specifically relate to blood leakage. Syncope, or fainting, may occur in patients due to anxiety or other factors during a blood draw, but it is also not directly linked to blood leaking into surrounding tissue. Therefore, the outcome of blood leaking into surrounding tissue is specifically associated with the development of a hematoma.