American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free AMT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Older patients are more susceptible to hematoma formation primarily because their veins have decreased elasticity. As individuals age, the structural integrity of blood vessels can deteriorate. This can be attributed to factors such as loss of collagen, increased stiffness, and loss of elasticity in the vascular walls. When veins lose their ability to stretch and recoil effectively, they become more fragile and prone to damage.

When an injury occurs, such as through venipuncture or trauma, the likelihood of bleeding into the surrounding tissues increases because the compromised veins are less able to accommodate the pressure. This can result in a hematoma, where blood pools outside the vessels.

In contrast, while factors like increased blood viscosity or higher blood pressure can influence bleeding, they do not directly account for the fragility of the veins specifically observed in older patients. Additionally, while increased platelet aggregation may occur with aging, it is not the primary reason for increased hematoma formation. The key factor here is the reduced elasticity of the veins, making option B the most definitive answer.