NCLEX PN Practice Test Related

Review NCLEX PN Practice Test related questions and content

The nurse is drawing blood from a client's peripheral vein for laboratory specimens. Which of the following are correct nursing actions? Select all that apply.

  • A. Do not leave a tourniquet on more than 1 minute while looking for a vein
  • B. Draw the specimen while the skin is still wet with the alcohol prep
  • C. If pulsating red blood is noted, withdraw the needle and apply pressure for 5 minutes
  • D. Use a highly visible vein on the ventral side of the client's wrist
  • E. Vigorously shake the specimen tube to mix obtained blood with anticoagulant solution
Correct Answer: A,C

Rationale: A tourniquet left on too long (A) can cause hemoconcentration, so it should be removed after 1 minute. Pulsating blood (C) indicates arterial puncture, requiring immediate needle withdrawal and pressure to prevent hematoma. Wet alcohol (B) can cause hemolysis, and the ventral wrist (D) is a risky site due to nerves and arteries. Vigorous shaking (E) damages blood cells, so gentle inversion is preferred.