Petechiae are described as which of the following?

• A. Small, non-raised red dots that occur when the tourniquet is tied too tight
• B. Bruising under the skin
• C. Raised purple lesions
• D. Persistent skin discoloration

Answer: (A)

Petechiae are tiny capillary bleeds that show up as small, flat red dots on the skin. They’re non‑raised and usually only a millimeter or two across, resulting from tiny amounts of blood leaking from capillaries beneath the surface. In phlebotomy, they can appear if a tourniquet is applied with excessive pressure or if there’s minor trauma during venipuncture. This description—small, non‑raised red dots—best matches what petechiae are. It’s different from bruising under the skin, which forms larger patches of discoloration (ecchymosis), from raised purple lesions, which are elevated rather than flat, and from persistent skin discoloration, which implies lasting color change rather than tiny surface spots.