NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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

1. To reduce patient discomfort.

2. To help identify veins.

3. To restrict blood flow and engorge veins.

4. To prevent contamination.

The correct answer is: To restrict blood flow and engorge veins.

The primary purpose of using a tourniquet during venipuncture is to restrict blood flow and engorge veins. This action helps make the veins more prominent and easier to locate, facilitating the insertion of the needle. By applying the tourniquet approximately 3 to 4 inches above the intended puncture site, blood pooling in the veins occurs, causing them to swell and become more visible. This visibility is crucial for successful venipuncture as it aids phlebotomists in selecting an appropriate site for the needle insertion. While the other choices refer to important aspects of the venipuncture process, they do not encapsulate the primary function of the tourniquet. Reducing patient discomfort, identifying veins more easily, and preventing contamination are valid considerations during the procedure, yet they are secondary to the main function of the tourniquet in enhancing vein visibility. The ability to engorge the veins effectively ensures that the blood can be drawn more efficiently and with minimal complications during the procedure.