Venipuncture
Site contraindications to venipuncture - ANS-ipsilateral side of a previous mastectomy,
arm with IV line for blood transfusions/fluid (draw distal to line, fluids must be turned off
for at least 2 minutes prior to drawing), edematous areas, hematomas, arms with
fistulas or vascular grafts, scarred areas, cellulitis, rashes, newly tattooed areas
Patient contraindications to venipuncture - ANS-DIC, hyperfibrinolysis,
thrombocytopenia, certain platelet disorders
Complications of venipuncture - ANS-pain, cellulitis, phlebitis, thrombosis, laceration of
vein, hemorrhage/hematoma, vasovagal, accidental arterial puncture, nerve injury
MC venipuncture site - ANS-medial cubital vein
Largest vein in the AC space - ANS-median cubital vein
superficial vein lies over the cubital fossa and serves as an anastomosis between the
cephalic and basilic veins - ANS-median cubital vein
Poorly anchored vein lateral to antecubital fossa - ANS-cephalic vein
What is important about getting all of your equipment prior to venipuncture -
ANS-always have 2!
If getting a blood culture, what should be used to clean the site? - ANS-povidone-iodine
What is important when preparing the patient? - ANS-confirm the pts identity, discuss
potential difficulties, make sure the patient has met all requirements (ex: NPO), explain
the procedure and reassure the pt
For venipuncture, pts arm should be in what position? - ANS-dependent position
How do you first evaluate sites for venipuncture? - ANS-without tourniquet first
Tourniquet should not be left on for longer than - ANS-1-2 minutes
Apply tourniquet ___________ to site - ANS-3-4 inches proximal
Site contraindications to venipuncture - ANS-ipsilateral side of a previous mastectomy,
arm with IV line for blood transfusions/fluid (draw distal to line, fluids must be turned off
for at least 2 minutes prior to drawing), edematous areas, hematomas, arms with
fistulas or vascular grafts, scarred areas, cellulitis, rashes, newly tattooed areas
Patient contraindications to venipuncture - ANS-DIC, hyperfibrinolysis,
thrombocytopenia, certain platelet disorders
Complications of venipuncture - ANS-pain, cellulitis, phlebitis, thrombosis, laceration of
vein, hemorrhage/hematoma, vasovagal, accidental arterial puncture, nerve injury
MC venipuncture site - ANS-medial cubital vein
Largest vein in the AC space - ANS-median cubital vein
superficial vein lies over the cubital fossa and serves as an anastomosis between the
cephalic and basilic veins - ANS-median cubital vein
Poorly anchored vein lateral to antecubital fossa - ANS-cephalic vein
What is important about getting all of your equipment prior to venipuncture -
ANS-always have 2!
If getting a blood culture, what should be used to clean the site? - ANS-povidone-iodine
What is important when preparing the patient? - ANS-confirm the pts identity, discuss
potential difficulties, make sure the patient has met all requirements (ex: NPO), explain
the procedure and reassure the pt
For venipuncture, pts arm should be in what position? - ANS-dependent position
How do you first evaluate sites for venipuncture? - ANS-without tourniquet first
Tourniquet should not be left on for longer than - ANS-1-2 minutes
Apply tourniquet ___________ to site - ANS-3-4 inches proximal
