Section 7: Venepuncture, Cannulation and Catheterisation

Question 1

What is Venepuncture?

Answer 1

Venepuncture is the act of drawing or removing blood from the circulatory system through a puncture to the vein to obtain a sample for analysis.

Question 2

Reason for venepuncture?

Answer 2

1. Blood Sample Collection: For diagnostic purposes, to assess conditions such as infections, anaemia, and metabolic disorders.
2. Monitoring Health: To measure levels of medications, electrolytes, or disease markers over time.
3. Blood Donations: To collect blood for transfusions and medical use.
4. Therapeutic Phlebotomy: Used in conditions like hemochromatosis, to remove excess iron, or polycythaemia, to reduce high red blood cell counts

Question 3

Reasons for cannulation?

Answer 3

• To restore and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
• To administer medications
• To infuse Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) (method of providing essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line)
• To administer a blood transfusion/blood product
• For emergency access like the administration of resuscitation drugs

Question 4

What is Cannulation?

Answer 4

A peripheral cannula provides the patient with short term access for intravenous therapy such as fluid replacement, blood transfusion, or antibiotic therapy

Question 5

Identification of reasons for the use of Male & Female urinary catheterisation

Answer 5

• Acute or Chronic Urinary Retention
• Urinary measurement for acutely unwell patients
• Hospice/comfort care/palliative
• Pharmacologic: Administration of medication, epidural anesthesia
• Bladder Irrigation
• Perioperative
• Neurologic: brain and spinal cord injury
• Treatment for severe urinary incontinence
• Promote the healing of sacral wounds

Question 6

Awareness of the use of lidocaine during catheterisation and the rationale for this

Answer 6

Lidocaine, often used during catheterisation, serves as both a local anaesthetic and a lubricant. Here’s why it’s commonly employed:

1. Pain Relief: Lidocaine numbs the urethral area, reducing discomfort during catheter insertion.
2. Ease of Insertion: Its lubricating properties minimize friction, making the procedure smoother and less traumatic for the patient.
3. Prevention of Reflex Responses: By numbing the area, lidocaine can help prevent involuntary muscle contractions or spasms during the procedure