Which of the following are common post-collection steps for a venipuncture?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following are common post-collection steps for a venipuncture?

Post-collection steps focus on finishing the venipuncture safely, protecting the patient, and making sure the specimens are ready for analysis. The sequence described—releasing the tourniquet, removing the needle, applying gauze with pressure, placing a bandage, labeling the sample, checking that the tubes are adequately filled and intact, and documenting what happened—is the proper routine. Releasing the tourniquet promptly helps prevent hemoconcentration and excessive bleeding; removing the needle once pressure is applied reduces the risk of a persistent bleed or injury; applying gauze with firm pressure stops the puncture site from bleeding and helps prevent a hematoma; a bandage protects the site afterward. Labeling the specimen before it leaves your control ensures correct patient identification and prevents mixups, and verifying fill and integrity confirms you collected enough, proper-quality sample and didn’t spill or contaminate the tubes. Documentation captures any notable events (difficult draw, patient reaction, or issues with the specimen), which is essential for quality and safety. Choices that keep the tourniquet on, reuse the needle, or run samples without labeling either introduce safety risks or miss essential identification and quality checks.

Post-collection steps focus on finishing the venipuncture safely, protecting the patient, and making sure the specimens are ready for analysis. The sequence described—releasing the tourniquet, removing the needle, applying gauze with pressure, placing a bandage, labeling the sample, checking that the tubes are adequately filled and intact, and documenting what happened—is the proper routine. Releasing the tourniquet promptly helps prevent hemoconcentration and excessive bleeding; removing the needle once pressure is applied reduces the risk of a persistent bleed or injury; applying gauze with firm pressure stops the puncture site from bleeding and helps prevent a hematoma; a bandage protects the site afterward. Labeling the specimen before it leaves your control ensures correct patient identification and prevents mixups, and verifying fill and integrity confirms you collected enough, proper-quality sample and didn’t spill or contaminate the tubes. Documentation captures any notable events (difficult draw, patient reaction, or issues with the specimen), which is essential for quality and safety. Choices that keep the tourniquet on, reuse the needle, or run samples without labeling either introduce safety risks or miss essential identification and quality checks.

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