NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What should be done if the vein is not palpable?

1. Use a larger gauge needle.

2. Reapply the tourniquet.

3. Change the site of the venipuncture.

4. Stop the procedure immediately.

The correct answer is: Change the site of the venipuncture.

When a vein is not palpable, changing the site of the venipuncture is a practical and effective decision. This approach often increases the chances of successfully locating a vein that can be accessed for blood collection. Different areas of the arm, such as the opposite arm or a different location within the same arm, can provide better opportunities to find a suitable vein. Using a larger gauge needle may not address the underlying issue of vein visibility and might even cause discomfort or complications if the vein is too small or fragile. Reapplying the tourniquet may help to visualize the veins better; however, it runs the risk of causing unnecessary pain or discomfort to the patient if the first attempt was challenging. Stopping the procedure immediately could be an unnecessary step, particularly when there are viable options to relocate the site of venipuncture that may yield success without complications. Thus, changing the site allows for continued efforts to achieve the needed outcome in a patient-friendly manner.