What should you do if you encounter a hematoma during or after venipuncture?

When encountering a hematoma during or after venipuncture, applying pressure and notifying the healthcare provider is the appropriate course of action. A hematoma occurs when blood leaks into the surrounding tissue due to a blood vessel being punctured, which can happen during venipuncture.

Applying pressure helps to minimize further bleeding and can assist in reducing the size of the hematoma. It is essential to keep applying pressure for a sufficient amount of time, usually several minutes, to allow clotting to occur and stabilize the area. Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial as they may need to assess the situation further or provide additional treatment if necessary, especially if the patient experiences pain or complications.

Continuing with the procedure could exacerbate the situation, while immediate removal of the needle may not address the underlying issue of bleeding that has already occurred. Ignoring the hematoma could lead to complications like increased swelling or further bleeding, which makes timely intervention critical.