Venipuncture Procedures Quiz

Venipuncture Procedures

• Common Sites: Antecubital area, located just before the bend of the elbow.

• Vein Selection Order: Start with the Median cubital vein, followed by the Cephalic vein, and lastly the Basilic vein.

• Median Cubital Vein: Preferred for venipuncture due to ease of access.

• Cephalic Vein: Located on the outer edge (thumb side) of the arm.

• Basilic Vein: Found on the inner edge of the antecubital fossa, closer to the pinkie finger.

• Palpation: Assessing the antecubital area helps determine the vein's size, angle, and depth.

• Alternative Collection Sites: Use veins in the hand and foot when the antecubital area is unsuitable.

• Tourniquet Application: Should remain on for a maximum of 60 seconds.

• STAT Specimens: These samples must be prioritized and delivered swiftly to the laboratory for urgent testing.

• Reason for STAT Designation: Indicates a potentially life-threatening medical condition of the patient.

• Order of Draw for Specimens: Follow this sequence - Yellow, Light Blue, Red/Speckled Top, Green, Purple/Lavender, Gray.

• Gauge Size for Small Veins: A 21-23 gauge needle is recommended for venipuncture in small veins.

• Specimen Handling: Treat all specimens as potentially hazardous and infectious.

• Patient Identification: Two forms of identification are recommended for taking specimens or administering medications.

• Identifying Unconscious or Impaired Patients: Nurses or relatives should provide identification using the patient's name, address, ID number, or birth date.

• Baby Identification Criteria: Use the designated name, birth date, gender, unique ID number, and mother's last name or last name used at registration.

• Vein Selection for Obese Patients: The Cephalic vein is preferred due to accessibility.

• Butterfly Needle Usage: Effective for patients with small veins, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, cancer patients, those in restrictive positions, burned patients, and individuals with fragile veins.

• Blood Cultures: Drawn first to minimize the risk of contamination.

• Yellow Tube: Specifically used for collecting blood cultures.

• Site Warming: Enhances blood flow to the puncture area, facilitating phlebotomy.

• Tourniquet Function: Slows blood flow toward the heart, allowing blood to pool in veins for easier access.