1- procedure

Question 1

Step 1: Introductions

Answer 1

• introduce yourself
• explain that you are going to take a blood sample
• make sure you have the correct patient by checking the requisition form and arm band and labels

Question 2

Step 2: prepare the patient

Answer 2

• position the patient for both safety and comfort

* explain the procedure and get a verbal informed consent from the patient

Question 3

Step 3: assembly

Answer 3

make sure you have all the necessary equipment:
• gloves
• tourniquet 
• tubes
• gauze
• needle/lancet
• hub
• antiseptic pad
•

Question 4

step 4: apply the tourniquet

Answer 4

• 3-4 inches above the puncture site

Question 5

how long can a tourniquet stay on?

Answer 5

1 minute

Question 6

what happens when you leave the tourniquet on for too long?

Answer 6

• Hemoconcentration: too many blood elements in plasma
• hemolysis: destruction of red blood cells
• petechiae: red spots on the skin

Question 7

step 5: select the site for the blood draw

Answer 7

• The best veins are located in the antecubital fossa (inside of elbow)
1st choice: median cubical vein
2nd choice: cephalic vein
3rd choice: basilic vein

Question 8

step 6: palpate the vein

Answer 8

• veins are best located by feel; be sure to palpate with tourniquet on.
• veins feel spongy, bouncy, and firm.
• remove tourniquet after locating the vein

Question 9

step 7: Examine the needle for defects

Answer 9

make sure the needle is free from curves, ridges, breaks, or deformities of any kind.

Question 10

Step 8: Perform the venipuncture

Answer 10

• secure tourniquet
• anchor the vein and brace the arm
• hold the needle with your dominant hand
• angle the needle 15-30 degrees
• insert the needle bevel up
• hold the needle steady
• keep the needle assembly downward to prevent backflow