National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Practice Exam

Hematoma is the most common complication of venipuncture. A hematoma occurs when blood leaks out of the vein during or after a venipuncture, causing bruising and swelling. It is often caused by improperly applying pressure to the puncture site or removing the needle too quickly. While infection, nerve damage, and phlebitis can also occur during venipuncture, they are less common complications. Infection can result from contaminated equipment or poor hand hygiene, nerve damage can occur from incorrect insertion of the needle, and phlebitis is inflammation of the vein due to irritation from the needle or solution. However, these complications are less common compared to hematoma.