American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam

What should be done if blood is not obtained upon needle insertion?

1. Gently advance the needle or gently pull back slightly

2. Remove the needle and try a different site

3. Wait for a minute before trying again

4. Change the angle of the needle dramatically

The correct answer is: Gently advance the needle or gently pull back slightly

When a healthcare professional encounters a situation where blood is not obtained upon needle insertion, the appropriate initial response is to gently advance the needle or gently pull back slightly. This technique allows for a couple of important adjustments that may help in successfully obtaining a blood sample. When advancing the needle slightly, it might allow for the needle to reposition itself into a blood vessel that may have not been directly accessed initially. Pulling back slightly can also help engage a nearby vein, particularly if the needle tip was just shy of entering it. This strategy is commonly recommended because it maintains the same puncture site, reducing patient discomfort and the likelihood of creating additional puncture wounds, which can increase the risk of complications. In contrast, removing the needle and trying a different site is generally seen as a secondary approach after first attempting adjustments at the initial site. This method might not be efficient if the needle is close to a vessel. Waiting for a minute before trying again is not a widely recommended practice in this context, as it may not address the immediate issue of locating the blood vessel. Finally, changing the angle of the needle dramatically could risk puncturing tissue rather than the blood vessel and create unnecessary pain or complications for the patient. Overall, option A is favorable because it focuses on