Venipuncture

Question 1

WHAT IS VENIPUNCTURE?

Answer 1

the act of puncturing or entering into a vein with a needle to withdraw blood for analysis or to introduce medications or contrast agents.

Question 2

How are medications and contrast agents in radiology usually administered?

Answer 2

Medications and contrast agents in radiology are usually administered via veins.

Question 3

The Intravenous (IV) Method will introduce?

Answer 3

the drug immediately into the circulatory system.

Question 4

Currently New York State is the only state in which radiographers

Answer 4

do not perform venipuncture.

Question 5

What should we always explain to the patient ?

Answer 5

Always explain the venipuncture procedure to the patient

The initial needle stick will cause discomfort for a few seconds.

Question 6

In VENTIPUNTURE, WHERE IS THE DRUG PLACED?

Answer 6

The drug is placed directly into a vein.

Question 7

Needle length and gauge depend on?

Answer 7

the viscosity of the drug, the site selected, and the specific method of injection.

Question 8

While injecting, we should observe for?

Answer 8

While injecting, observe the site for

Extravasation or
Infiltration

Question 9

If extravasation occurs, WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST STEP?

Answer 9

the first step is to remove the needle, apply pressure to the injection site, and apply warm moist heat to relieve the discomfort

Question 10

What is Infiltration (Extravasation) ?

Answer 10

Infiltration (Extravasation) – the escape or discharge of fluid (including medications and contrast materials) from a vessel into the surrounding tissue.

Question 11

What is Infiltration ?

Answer 11

if the fluid is a non-vesicant (does not irritate tissue), it is called an infiltration.

Question 12

What is Extravasation?

Answer 12

if the fluid is a vesicant (a fluid that irritates tissue), it is called an extravasation.

Question 13

ARE EXTRAVASATIONS PAINFUL?

Answer 13

Extravasations are both painful and dangerous. The patient is likely to complain of pain and you will see a swelling in the tissues at the injection site.

Question 14

If an extravasation is suspected, whats the next step?

Answer 14

immediately stop the injection and notify a physician.

A copy pack/ice pack? should be applied to the site to reduce swelling and reduce pain.

Question 15

Treatment of Infiltration

Answer 15

Remove the needle.

Apply direct pressure to the injection site to prevent a hematoma.

Apply a warm, moist compress to relieve pain and discomfort.

Alert the nursing staff so that the patient can be medically evaluated

Question 16

What type of problem we don’t want to cause after infiltration?

Answer 16

Hematoma

Question 17

STEPS INVOLVED IN VENIPUNCTURE

Answer 17

-Follow all universal precautions before attempting any parenteral drug administration.

-Check two patient identifiers.

-Explain the procedure to the patient and check for possible allergies.

-Assemble all needed supplies and prepare the drug for administration using sterile technique.

-Put on disposable gloves

Question 18

STEPS INVOLVED IN VENIPUNCTURE

Answer 18

-Clean the selected site with an alcohol swab. Moving in a circular motion from the center to the outside.

• Apply a tourniquet above the site.
• Use sufficient tension to impede the flow of blood in the vein.
• Ask the patient to open and close the fist to distend the vein fully.
• Once the vein is identified ask the patient to clench the fist and keep it closed.
• To stabilize the vein, place your thumb on the tissue just below the site and gently pull the skin and vein towards the hand.
• Hold the needle with bevel facing upward. When using a butterfly needle, pinch the wings tightly together.

Question 19

STEPS INVOLVED IN VENIPUNCTURE

Answer 19

10. Insert the needle next to the vein at a 15-degree angle and gently advance it into the vein.

To check placement gently pull back on the syringe – if the needle is correctly inserted into the vein the blood will flow back into the tubing.
Do not re-insert the needle if it has exited the vein and skin.

11. If the tubing of the butterfly needle has not previously been filled with solution, allow the blood to flow from the hub before attaching the syringe to ensure that no air bubbles are contained in the system.

Question 20

STEPS INVOLVED IN VENIPUNCTURE

Answer 20

12. Remove the tourniquet and inject the drug or contrast media.
13. After the injection is complete unless otherwise instructed, remove the needle and apply gentle pressure to the site with an alcohol swab. Put a bandage on the injection site.
14. Dispose of the syringe and needle properly in a sharps container.
15. Chart all relevant information.

Question 21

Common Venipuncture Sites:

Answer 21

Sites recommended for venipuncture:

Basilic Vein
Median Ante Brachial Vein

Median Cubital Vein
Cephalic Vein

Question 22

Angiocath

Answer 22

A safe device used for performing venipuncture.

After the venipuncture and the needle is removed the needle is pulled through a sheath or catheter that covers the needle and protects accidental punctures.

Question 23

WHAT NEEDLES ARE COMMONLY USED FOR VENTIPUNCTURE?

Answer 23

Winged Tipped or
Butterfly Needles

Question 24

CONCLUSION

Answer 24

-The radiologic technologist is expected to have a basic knowledge of pharmacology to prepare and administer drugs under the supervision of a licensed practitioner

-The radiologic technologist should be familiar with the actions and precautions associated with commonly used drugs.

-Always follow the golden rules of drug administration when preparing to administer or when assisting with drug administration.

-Check for the right drug, right amount, right patient, right time, and right route.

-Numerous factors affect the patient’s response to a drug, which may be undesirable.

-After administration, relevant information should be recorded on the patient’s chart.

Question 25

Common Rx Abbreviations

Answer 25

ac before meals
bid twice a day
cc cubic centimeter
g gram
h hour
hs at bedtime
IM Intramuscular
IV Intravenous
mg Milligram
mL Milliliter
pc after meals
PO by mouth
prn as needed
qh every hour
q2h every twice hours
q3h every three hours
qid four times a day
SC Subcutaneous
Stat immediately
tid three times a day