American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam

When blood leaks into the subcutaneous tissue during venipuncture, it typically results in a hematoma, which is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels. In such a situation, switching to another vein is the most appropriate action. This step avoids further complications and discomfort for the patient while allowing for successful blood collection at a different site.

Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief and help reduce swelling but does not address the immediate need for obtaining the blood sample. Using a smaller needle might be a consideration in some circumstances, but it does not necessarily resolve the issue of vascular access if the current puncture has already resulted in a hematoma. Documenting the event is important for medical records; however, it does not provide a direct functional response to the situation at hand, which is the need for a successful venipuncture. Therefore, switching to another vein effectively resolves the complication while maintaining patient care standards.