NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of using a tourniquet during a venipuncture?

1. To sterilize the area

2. To make veins more prominent

3. To control bleeding

4. To ensure proper order of draw

The correct answer is: To make veins more prominent

The primary purpose of using a tourniquet during venipuncture is indeed to make veins more prominent. When the tourniquet is applied, it constricts blood flow, which causes the veins to fill with blood and become engorged. This makes the veins easier to visualize and palpate, helping the phlebotomist locate the most suitable site for the needle insertion. Proper placement of the tourniquet is essential; it should be tight enough to create prominence in the veins but not so tight as to cause discomfort or excessive damage to the underlying tissues. Using a tourniquet is a common and effective technique in phlebotomy to facilitate successful venipuncture, thus aiding in the blood collection process. While sterilization of the area is important, it is achieved through proper swabbing with an antiseptic, and controlling bleeding is addressed after the procedure by applying pressure. Ensuring the proper order of draw relates primarily to the collection process rather than the visualization of veins.