Venipuncture Flashcards
What is the standard syringe size?
2-50 ml
What does needle length indicate?
Measure in length of the shaft portion
What are standard needle lengths?
1/4 - 5 inches
What does needle guage indicate?
The thickness or diameter of a needle
What is a general rule for needle guages?
The smaller the guage, the larger the diameter
What is drip infusion?
When large volumes of fluid are delivered over a long period of time
How is the drip infusion solution placed?
Hanging from an IV pole at a height 18-24 inches above the patient
What is the drip rate of an infusion?
10-20 drops per minute unless otherwise directed by a physician
What is venipuncture?
The act of puncturing or entering into a vein with a needle to withdraw blood for analysis or to introduce medications or contrast agents
What intravenous method?
The needle is inserted and the drug is injected into a vein
At what angle should the needle be inserted for the intravenous method?
At a 15 degree angle
What is a subcutaneous method?
The need is inserted and the drug is injected directly beneath the skin
At what angle should the needle be inserted for the subcutaneous method?
At a 45 degree angle
What is a intramuscular method?
The needle is inserted and the drug is injected into a muscle
At what angle should the needle be inserted for the intramuscular method?
At a 90 degree angle
What are all 3 injection methods classified as?
Parenteral
What does Parenteral mean?
A drug that is introduced into the body in a method that bypasses the GI system
What is a needle bevel?
The slanted part of the needle tip that’s inserted into the skin
What direction should the bevel be having during the injection?
Facing up
What are the two bevel sizes?
Short and long
What size bevel are used for IV injections?
Short bevel
What size bevel are used for suncutaneous and intramuscular injections?
Long bevel
What is Infiltration or Extravasation?
The escape of fluid from a vessel into a surrounding tissue
What is the treatment for infiltration?
Remove the needle
Apply direct pressure to the injection site
Apply warm, moist compress to relieve pain and discomfort
Alert the nursing staff
What is a bolus?
The total amou of a drug being adminstered
What are the steps involved in venipuncture?
Wash hands thoroughly.
Check patient’s identification.
Explain the procedure to the patient.
Assemble all needed supplies and prepare the drug for administration using sterile technique.
Put on disposable gloves
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.
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.
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.
Remove the tourniquet and inject the drug or contrast media.
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.
Dispose of the syringe and needle properly in a sharps container.
Chart all relevant information.
What are the common venipuncture sites?
Basilic vein, median ante brachial vein, median cubital vein and cephalic vein
What types of needs are most commonly used for venipuncture?
Winged tip or butterfly
