American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

What could potentially happen if more than 10 percent of an infant's blood volume is removed at one time?

1. Severe anemia

2. Cardiac arrest

3. Thrombosis

4. Respiratory distress

The correct answer is: Cardiac arrest

When more than 10 percent of an infant's blood volume is removed at one time, the most critical immediate risk is cardiac arrest. Infants have a relatively smaller blood volume compared to adults, so even a modest loss can lead to significant physiological stress. The removal of this amount of blood can lead to hypovolemic shock due to a decrease in circulating blood volume, which can, in turn, severely impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This can result in inadequate blood flow to vital organs, leading to potential cardiac complications. Moreover, during such an event, the infant's body may not be able to compensate quickly enough to maintain adequate cardiovascular stability, resulting in decreased perfusion and oxygenation of tissues. If not addressed swiftly, this critical situation can escalate, ultimately leading to cardiac arrest. Therefore, careful monitoring and rigorous adherence to blood volume guidelines are essential when managing blood draws in infants.