American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

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Study for the American Medical Certification Association Phlebotomy Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Perfect your skills and get ready for success!

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How far above should the tourniquet be applied from the venipuncture site?

2-3 inches
3-4 inches
4-5 inches
5-6 inches

The correct answer is: 3-4 inches

The tourniquet should typically be applied about 3-4 inches above the intended venipuncture site. This distance is optimal because it allows for adequate venous distention, making the veins easier to locate and puncture without causing unnecessary discomfort or hindering blood flow too severely. Applying the tourniquet within this range helps to immobilize the veins above the insertion site, while still being close enough to ensure that the blood flow is restricted adequately for successful venipuncture. If the tourniquet is placed too far away, it may not effectively engorge the veins, whereas being too close can lead to discomfort and potentially alter the properties of the blood sample. In practice, this distance also helps ensure that the healthcare provider can perform the procedure efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of complications. Therefore, the correct placement of the tourniquet is crucial for successful phlebotomy.