Week 3 Venipuncture Skills Training

Question 1

what are four indication for blood draw?

Answer 1

amount of cells, chemistry levels, drug levels, infection

Question 2

what are some complications to blood draw? 5

Answer 2

bruising/hematoma, infections, arterial puncture, limb precautions, hemolysis

Question 3

To limit/prevent bruising what can you do?

Answer 3

1. dont leave tourniquet on for more than a minute
2. remove tourniquet as last tube is filling
3. remove specimen tube
4. retract needle apropriately

Question 4

what causes hemolysis during blood draw? 2

Answer 4

improper specimen handling, needle size too small (use 21 G or 23 G)

Question 5

what is the function of the tourniquot?

Answer 5

blocks venous return to heart causing veins to dilate

Question 6

what is the rationale for leaving the tourniquet on for less than one minute?

Answer 6

prevents formation of hematoma which would cause erroneously high lab values

Question 7

what are the types of needle used in blood draw?

Answer 7

direct draw needle and butterfly needle

Question 8

where can the two type of needles be used?

Answer 8

direct draw: only in the antecubital region

butterfly needle: used anywhere

Question 9

what is the best site for blood draw?

Answer 9

median cubital

Question 10

what are three obsolete techniques of blood draw

Answer 10

taping the vein, having the patient pump fist, blind sticking

Question 11

how should the needle be when you draw blood? angle? bevel?

Answer 11

15-30 degrees with bevel up

Question 12

if using a butterfly needle what must you use?

Answer 12

a discard tube to clear air from the needle’s tubing

Question 13

when you are ready to remove the needle what are the steps:

Answer 13

1. remove tourniquet,
2. remove last specimen tube
3. retract needle (in order)