Question

As Joachim is preparing to donate blood, he asks the phlebotomist why they use a vein instead of an artery for the blood donation. Joachim argues that the donation would go faster with an artery because it is bigger than a vein. How is the phlebotomist MOST likely to respond?
A. "Arteries are too thick to get a needle into."
B. "Blood from the veins has more oxygen in it so it is better for donation."
C. "Arteries have too much blood pressure going through them making it difficult to control the flow of blood."
D. "Veins are stronger than arteries so they can be stuck more with the needle."

Answer 1

C. Arteries are high-pressure vessels, so puncturing one would cause rapid, hard-to-control bleeding and greater risk of complications; veins are low-pressure, superficial, and safer for routine blood draws.