Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why should you avoid collecting blood from the ankle or foot vein of a patient with diabetes mellitus?
Why should you avoid collecting blood from the ankle or foot vein of a patient with diabetes mellitus?
- Because of poor circulation in the lower extremities. (correct)
- Because of the risk of hematoma.
- Because of the risk of infection.
- Because of the risk of phlebitis.
What is the purpose of palpating a vein during vein selection?
What is the purpose of palpating a vein during vein selection?
- To determine the depth of the vein.
- To determine the direction of the vein.
- To determine if the vessel is an artery.
- All of the above. (correct)
What should you do if you are unsure about an alternative venipuncture site?
What should you do if you are unsure about an alternative venipuncture site?
- Consult the facility's policy on alternative sites.
- Proceed with the venipuncture anyway.
- Use the ankle or foot vein as a last resort.
- Seek advice from a supervisor or provider. (correct)
Why should you not collect blood from the wrist with the palm facing upward?
Why should you not collect blood from the wrist with the palm facing upward?
What is a characteristic of a vein suitable for venipuncture?
What is a characteristic of a vein suitable for venipuncture?
What is a potential complication of drawing blood from the ankles or feet?
What is a potential complication of drawing blood from the ankles or feet?
Why might a facility prohibit the use of ankle or foot veins for venipuncture?
Why might a facility prohibit the use of ankle or foot veins for venipuncture?
What should you use when collecting blood from an ankle or foot vein as a last resort?
What should you use when collecting blood from an ankle or foot vein as a last resort?
What is the purpose of placing the patient's arm below the level of the heart before venipuncture?
What is the purpose of placing the patient's arm below the level of the heart before venipuncture?
Why should you not slap a patient's hand to make veins more accessible?
Why should you not slap a patient's hand to make veins more accessible?
What is the purpose of using a warm compress before venipuncture?
What is the purpose of using a warm compress before venipuncture?
Why should you not perform venipuncture above an IV catheter's insertion site?
Why should you not perform venipuncture above an IV catheter's insertion site?
What is a common complication of performing venipuncture in an area with edema?
What is a common complication of performing venipuncture in an area with edema?
Why should you avoid performing venipuncture in an area with a hematoma?
Why should you avoid performing venipuncture in an area with a hematoma?
What is the purpose of following facility protocols for applying heat before venipuncture?
What is the purpose of following facility protocols for applying heat before venipuncture?
Why should you avoid performing venipuncture in an arm with an arteriovenous fistula or shunt for hemodialysis?
Why should you avoid performing venipuncture in an arm with an arteriovenous fistula or shunt for hemodialysis?
Why is it recommended to perform venipuncture with the patient in a comfortable position in bed in inpatient settings?
Why is it recommended to perform venipuncture with the patient in a comfortable position in bed in inpatient settings?
What is the primary advantage of using a venipuncture chair with adjustable height?
What is the primary advantage of using a venipuncture chair with adjustable height?
What is the optimal position of the arm during venipuncture?
What is the optimal position of the arm during venipuncture?
Why is the median cubital vein the first choice for venipuncture?
Why is the median cubital vein the first choice for venipuncture?
What should you avoid when performing venipuncture?
What should you avoid when performing venipuncture?
What is a technique to improve patient comfort during venipuncture?
What is a technique to improve patient comfort during venipuncture?
Why is it important to adjust arm positioning based on individual nuances of each patient?
Why is it important to adjust arm positioning based on individual nuances of each patient?
What type of vein is accessed during venipuncture?
What type of vein is accessed during venipuncture?
What is the preferred location for venipuncture?
What is the preferred location for venipuncture?
What is the alternative venipuncture site after the antecubital fossa?
What is the alternative venipuncture site after the antecubital fossa?
Why is it more difficult to collect blood from hand veins?
Why is it more difficult to collect blood from hand veins?
What is the recommended needle type for collecting blood from a hand vein?
What is the recommended needle type for collecting blood from a hand vein?
What should you do if you are unsure about performing a capillary specimen collection?
What should you do if you are unsure about performing a capillary specimen collection?
What is the preferred method for collecting capillary blood from infants younger than 12 months?
What is the preferred method for collecting capillary blood from infants younger than 12 months?
Why is the antecubital fossa a good site for venipuncture?
Why is the antecubital fossa a good site for venipuncture?
What should you avoid when choosing a finger for a finger stick?
What should you avoid when choosing a finger for a finger stick?
Why is the basilic vein the last choice for venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?
Why is the basilic vein the last choice for venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?
What is a contraindication for venipuncture?
What is a contraindication for venipuncture?
Why is palpation used in vein selection?
Why is palpation used in vein selection?
Why is the little finger not a suitable site for a dermal puncture?
Why is the little finger not a suitable site for a dermal puncture?
What is an alternative to venipuncture for patients who require small amounts of blood?
What is an alternative to venipuncture for patients who require small amounts of blood?
Why is the cephalic vein often the second choice for venipuncture?
Why is the cephalic vein often the second choice for venipuncture?
What should you do if you miss the target during a venipuncture procedure on the basilic vein?
What should you do if you miss the target during a venipuncture procedure on the basilic vein?
Why is it preferable to use the side of the finger for a dermal puncture?
Why is it preferable to use the side of the finger for a dermal puncture?
A warm compress should not be used to dilate the veins before venipuncture.
A warm compress should not be used to dilate the veins before venipuncture.
The antecubital fossa on the same side as a recent mastectomy is a good site for venipuncture.
The antecubital fossa on the same side as a recent mastectomy is a good site for venipuncture.
Transilluminating and laser devices can be used to locate veins if other attempts have been unsuccessful.
Transilluminating and laser devices can be used to locate veins if other attempts have been unsuccessful.
A site that has scarring is a good choice for venipuncture.
A site that has scarring is a good choice for venipuncture.
Slapping a patient's hand to make veins more accessible is a recommended technique.
Slapping a patient's hand to make veins more accessible is a recommended technique.
An arm that has a central venous access device can be used for venipuncture.
An arm that has a central venous access device can be used for venipuncture.
The optimal position of the arm during venipuncture is with the palm of the hand facing downward.
The optimal position of the arm during venipuncture is with the palm of the hand facing downward.
Adjusting arm positioning based on individual nuances of each patient is not necessary.
Adjusting arm positioning based on individual nuances of each patient is not necessary.
The median cubital vein is the last choice for venipuncture in the antecubital fossa.
The median cubital vein is the last choice for venipuncture in the antecubital fossa.
Venipuncture can be performed with the patient standing or sitting on a high stool.
Venipuncture can be performed with the patient standing or sitting on a high stool.
Veins are not accessible for venipuncture in the antecubital fossa.
Veins are not accessible for venipuncture in the antecubital fossa.
The primary goal of patient positioning during venipuncture is to obtain a blood specimen efficiently.
The primary goal of patient positioning during venipuncture is to obtain a blood specimen efficiently.
Arteries are accessible for venipuncture.
Arteries are accessible for venipuncture.
Specimen collection can be performed with the patient in a reclined position in outpatient settings.
Specimen collection can be performed with the patient in a reclined position in outpatient settings.
The ankle and foot veins are the first choice for venipuncture.
The ankle and foot veins are the first choice for venipuncture.
The wrist with the palm facing upward is a suitable site for venipuncture.
The wrist with the palm facing upward is a suitable site for venipuncture.
Palpation is used to determine the direction of the vein.
Palpation is used to determine the direction of the vein.
A vein that is suitable for venipuncture should be hard and rigid.
A vein that is suitable for venipuncture should be hard and rigid.
It is recommended to collect blood from the ankle or foot vein of a patient with diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease.
It is recommended to collect blood from the ankle or foot vein of a patient with diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease.
Pulsation when palpating indicates that the vessel is a vein.
Pulsation when palpating indicates that the vessel is a vein.
Study Notes
Patient Preparation for Venipuncture
- Position the patient comfortably, with their arm extended and palm facing upward, to ensure safety and comfort during the procedure.
- In inpatient settings, perform the procedure with the patient in a comfortable position in bed, while in outpatient settings, use a venipuncture chair with adjustable armrests and a padded locking bar to prevent falls.
- Adjust arm positioning based on individual nuances of each patient, with a full extension of the arm and slight rotation to visualize the vein and keep it from rolling when inserting the needle.
Venipuncture Sites
- Antecubital fossa: The preferred location for venipuncture, with three accessible veins, including the median cubital vein, which is the first choice due to its large size, stability, and minimal movement during puncture.
- Hand veins: The next choice after the antecubital fossa, located on the dorsal side of the hand, but more fragile, prone to rolling, and smaller in circumference, making venipuncture more painful and difficult.
- Cephalic vein: The second choice, located in the antecubital fossa on the lateral aspect of the forearm, a large vein that can be easily palpated but not usually visible, tending to roll and being difficult to stabilize.
- Basilic vein: The last choice when selecting a site in the antecubital fossa, located in the medial aspect of the forearm, a large vein close to the brachial artery, with the median nerve running close by, making it prone to nerve damage if the procedure is not performed correctly.
Contraindications and Alternatives
- Avoid venipuncture in patients with medical conditions such as cellulitis or hematoma near the collection site, vascular shunt or graft, or laboratory tests requiring small blood amounts.
- Consider dermal puncture (finger or heel stick) as an alternative for patients who require small blood samples, such as infants younger than 12 months, or those with medical conditions contraindicating venipuncture.
Vein Selection and Preparation
- To decrease the return of blood to the heart and allow veins to fill, place the patient's arm below the level of the heart for several minutes.
- Applying a warm compress can dilate veins, making them easier to palpate, but follow the facility's protocol and ensure it is safe.
- Avoid slapping a patient's hand to make veins more accessible, as it can cause injury and be perceived as threatening or abusive.
Avoiding Unsuitable Vein Locations
- Do not use veins above an IV catheter's insertion site in an arm, as IV fluids can mix with the blood sample and affect results.
- Avoid veins in an arm with an arteriovenous fistula or shunt for hemodialysis, as it can compromise circulation and damage the shunt.
- Do not use veins with a central venous access device, as venipuncture can damage the device.
- Avoid the antecubital fossa on the same side as a recent mastectomy, as it can cause swelling, injury, or infection.
- Site with edema should not be used, as excess fluid can alter test results and cause pain.
- Avoid sites with scarring, as blood collection may be difficult and painful.
- Sites with a hematoma should not be used, as it can alter test results, cause pain, and increase the risk of nerve damage.
Vein Characteristics
- A suitable vein for venipuncture should be soft, flexible, and feel spongy or bouncy.
- Pulsation indicates an artery, not a vein, and should not be used.
- Palpate the vein to determine its depth, direction, and dimension.
Patient Preparation
- Positioning the patient is crucial to keep them safe, provide comfort, and obtain necessary specimens efficiently.
- In inpatient settings, perform the procedure with the patient in a comfortable position in bed.
- In outpatient settings, use a venipuncture chair with comfortable, adjustable armrests and a padded locking bar to prevent falls.
Arm Positioning
- The optimal position is a full extension of the arm with the palm of the hand facing upward.
- Slight rotation of the arm can help visualize the vein and keep it from rolling when inserting the needle.
- Use pillows or armrest devices to improve comfort for some patients.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Learn how to prepare a patient for venipuncture by positioning the arm and applying heat to dilate veins, while avoiding unsafe practices.
