Venipuncture

Question 1

How do we choose a venipuncture site?

Answer 1

Palpate for vessel, do not rely on visualization of vein

Question 2

Where is the most common location for venipuncture?

Answer 2

Antecubital fossa
Median cubital vein preferred

Question 3

What sites do you avoid when choosing a venipuncture site?

Answer 3

Arm on side of mastectomy
Vessels under localized edema
Vessels near hematomas
Arms in which blood is transfusing
Scarred vessels
Arms with fistulas or vascular grafts
Sites proximal to an IV cannula

Question 4

What do you need for a venipuncture?

Answer 4

Alcohol prep
Needle(straight, butterfly, syringe)
Vacutainer
Collection tubes
Tourniquet
Gloves
2x2 gauze
Tape

Question 5

Do you need consent to perform a venipuncture?

Answer 5

Yes, don’t need a written one but always get verbal consent

Question 6

Where do you apply a tourniquet?

Answer 6

3-4 inches above puncture site

Question 7

How long do you leave a tourniquet on?

Answer 7

Not more than 1 min

Question 8

What angle do you insert the needle?

Answer 8

10-20° angle

Question 9

What are some complications in performing a venipuncture?

Answer 9

Needle withdraws too early
Vein rolls easily
Unable to obtain specimen after 2-3attempts