Venepuncture

Question 1

what do you need to ask/check for before you start?

Answer 1

any allergies

Question 2

what should you include in the explanation?

Answer 2

blood sample, needle into vein
feel a sharp scratch
won’t last long
any questions?

Question 3

what equipment do you need?

Answer 3

clean tray
torniquet
alcohol wipe
gloves
gauze
venepuncture system
sample bottles
sample forms
sharps bin
plaster

Question 4

where should you put the equipment

Answer 4

in tray/ on trolley
clearly visible
in reach

Question 5

what preparation needs to be done?

Answer 5

wash hands again, check identity
ensure the patient is comfortable and cubical fossa exposed
find vein
tie tourniquets 4-5 fingers above
palpate vein - springy
clean with alcohol wipe for 30 secs, let it dry for 30 secs
wash hands again, put gloves on

Question 6

What is the process of inserting the needle and taking blood?

Answer 6

dont palpate the vein again once you’ve cleaned it
set up needle and then unsheath
anchor the vein from below with the left hand
warn the patient
insert at 15-30degrees with the bevel facing upwards
insert 1mm-2mm further after seeing flashback
anchor to the skin and fill bottles
release torniquet
remove needle
apply pressure
ask them to hold the gauze whilst you dispose of needle
put on plaster
dispose of waste

Question 7

what should you do when closing the examination?

Answer 7

make sure they are okay

fill out forms and label samples