What is a potential complication of venipuncture?

A potential complication of venipuncture includes fainting, hemorrhage, and infection, each of which can occur during or after the procedure.

Fainting, or syncope, can happen due to anxiety, pain, or a vasovagal response to the needle insertion, particularly in individuals who are apprehensive about blood draws.

Hemorrhage may occur if the vein is punctured too deeply or if proper pressure is not applied after the removal of the needle, leading to excessive bleeding from the site. This is particularly relevant for individuals on anticoagulant therapy or those who have clotting disorders.

Infection is also a significant risk since the skin is broken during venipuncture, which can introduce pathogens into the bloodstream if aseptic techniques are not followed. Contaminated equipment or inadequate skin preparation can further increase this risk.

Because all of these complications are recognized potential outcomes of venipuncture, the correct answer encompasses all of them, highlighting the importance of careful technique and patient monitoring during the procedure.