Venipuncture Procedures Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the most common sites for venipuncture?

Antecubital area of the arm, just before the bend of the elbow.

In what order should veins be selected for venipuncture?

Median cubital vein, Cephalic vein, Basilic vein (correct)
Basilic vein
Median cubital vein
Cephalic vein

Why is the median cubital vein commonly used?

It is easiest to obtain blood from.

Where is the cephalic vein located?

Out edge (thumb side) of arm. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the basilic vein located?

Inside edge of the antecubital fossa area (the side of the pinkie finger). Signup and view all the answers

What does palpating the entire antecubital area enable healthcare workers to determine?

Size, angle, and depth of the vein. Signup and view all the answers

What are alternative sites for blood collection when the antecubital area cannot be used?

Hand and foot veins. Signup and view all the answers

How long should a tourniquet be left on?

60 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What are STAT specimens?

Must be collected and delivered to the laboratory for testing as quickly as possible. Signup and view all the answers

Why are specimens called STAT (emergency) specimens?

Patient has a medical condition, possibly life-threatening. Signup and view all the answers

Match the order of draw with the corresponding tubes:

Yellow = Blood cultures Light blue = Coagulation tests Red/speckled top = Serology tests Green = Stat chemistry tests Purple/lavender = Hematology tests Gray = Glucose tests Signup and view all the answers

What size gauge is facilitated for venipuncture in small veins?

21-23 gauge. Signup and view all the answers

All specimens should be treated as if they are hazardous and infectious.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Joint Commission recommend when taking specimens or administering medications?

Two ways to identify patients. Signup and view all the answers

How should unconscious, cognitively impaired or young patients be identified?

The nurse or relative should be asked to ID the patient by name, address, ID number, and/or birth date. Signup and view all the answers

How do you identify a baby?

Name of baby if designated, birth date, baby's gender, unique ID number, mother's last name or last name used at registration. Signup and view all the answers

What vein is usually chosen for an obese patient?

Cephalic vein. Signup and view all the answers

What size gauge safety butterfly needle is used for venipuncture in small veins?

21-23 gauge safety butterfly needle. Signup and view all the answers

Foot and ankle veins should be used with what consideration?

Cardiac or diabetic patients. Signup and view all the answers

What does warming the puncture site help facilitate?

Increasing arterial blood flow to the area. Signup and view all the answers

What does a tourniquet do?

Slows down blood flow toward the heart so that it pools or gathers in the veins. Signup and view all the answers

What types of patients can a butterfly needle be used on?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are blood cultures drawn first?

To decrease the possibility of bacterial contamination. Signup and view all the answers

What does the yellow tube collect?

Blood cultures. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

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.