NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary concern when collecting blood from a pediatric patient?

1. Minimizing the amount of blood drawn

2. Choosing the correct collection tube

3. Having a guardian present

4. Ensuring the patient is seated

The correct answer is: Minimizing the amount of blood drawn

The primary concern when collecting blood from a pediatric patient is minimizing the amount of blood drawn. This is critical because children, especially infants and very young children, have smaller blood volumes compared to adults. Excessive blood removal can lead to adverse effects such as anemia or hypovolemia. Therefore, healthcare providers must carefully calculate the amount of blood required for testing to ensure the child's safety while still obtaining sufficient samples for accurate laboratory results. Taking this precaution helps to balance the need for diagnostic information with the well-being of the pediatric patient. While the other factors, like choosing the correct collection tube, having a guardian present, and ensuring the patient is seated, are also important during the blood collection process, the primary consideration remains the health and safety of the child, which places emphasis on limiting blood loss.