Petechiae are described as what?

Petechiae are described as what?

• A. Bruising of tissue
• B. Inflammation due to clot
• C. Systemic infection
• D. Tiny red spots due to capillary rupture from tourniquet left on too long

Answer: (D)

Petechiae are tiny red spots caused by minor bleeding from ruptured capillaries just under the skin. In a phlebotomy context, leaving the tourniquet on too long can increase pressure and cause these small capillary bleeds, which is why they’re described as tiny red spots from capillary rupture due to tourniquet time. They are not bruising (which is larger and deeper), not inflammation due to a clot, and not itself a sign of systemic infection (though infections can sometimes cause petechiae in other contexts).

Petechiae are tiny red spots caused by minor bleeding from ruptured capillaries just under the skin. In a phlebotomy context, leaving the tourniquet on too long can increase pressure and cause these small capillary bleeds, which is why they’re described as tiny red spots from capillary rupture due to tourniquet time. They are not bruising (which is larger and deeper), not inflammation due to a clot, and not itself a sign of systemic infection (though infections can sometimes cause petechiae in other contexts).