Vascular - Venipuncture

Question 1

Veinpuncture - Definition & Indications

Answer 1

• technique in which a vein is punctured through the skin by a sharp rigid needle or cannula
• blood specimen collection
• drug administration
• fluid replacement

Question 2

Pathology Request Forms

Answer 2

• client’s full name
• UR number
• DOB
• tests to be performed
• date
• doctors signature
• must be legible

Question 3

Venipuncture - Equipment

Answer 3

• gloves, goggles
• kidney dish
• blood tubes
• vacutainer, syringe, butterfly
• needle
• alcohol wipe
• bluey
• sterile gauze / cotton wool & tape

Question 4

Venipuncture - Procedure

Answer 4

• explain to patient, gain consent
• identify patient - ID band, compare with pathology request form
• prepare patient - privacy, sitting upright / lying, arm well supported
• site selection
  
  • avoid - arm on side of mastectomy, oedematous areas, haematomas, scarred areas, arm with cannula, fistulas or vascular grafts, arm above IV, dominant arm avoidance
• apply tourniquet above cubital fossa, remains insitu no longer than 1-2 minutes
• palpate for viable vein - veins include basillic, cephalic, medial cubital
• site preparation
  
  • alcohol wipe (30 seconds to dry)
• procedure
  
  • palpate vein, stabilize vein
  • enter site with bevel facing up, needle at 15 degrees to the skin
  • stabilise needle at all times while drawing blood
• release torniquet, remove needle, apply direct pressure to the site for 3-5 minutes
• elevate if possible, apply tape

Question 5

Venipuncture - Post Procedure

Answer 5

• leave bluey insitu
• position client comfortably
• call bell & explaination
• label all blood tubes (at the bed) - name & UR / DOB, ward, time, date, signature