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Venipuncture Procedures Flashcards

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  1. A phlebotomist is unable to locate a suitable vein in either antecubital fossa. What is the next recommended site?

    Answer: The dorsal hand veins

    If antecubital veins are not accessible, the dorsal (back) hand veins are the next recommended alternative site for venipuncture.

  2. What is the correct order for performing a venipuncture procedure from start to finish?

    Answer: Verify identity, select site, apply tourniquet, clean site, anchor vein, insert needle, collect tubes

    The correct sequence begins with patient identification, then site selection, tourniquet application, site cleaning, vein anchoring, needle insertion, and tube collection.

  3. When performing venipuncture on an obese patient with non-visible veins, what technique helps locate a suitable vein?

    Answer: Palpating the antecubital fossa to feel for a bouncy, cord-like structure

    Palpation (feeling with the index finger) is the most reliable method for locating veins in obese patients, as veins feel bouncy and resilient compared to tendons or arteries.

  4. What is the maximum number of venipuncture attempts recommended for a single phlebotomist on one patient?

    Answer: Two attempts

    Most facility policies limit a phlebotomist to two attempts per patient. After two failed attempts, another phlebotomist should try to minimize patient discomfort and complications.

  5. Why should the arm be extended in a straight, slightly downward position during venipuncture?

    Answer: To ensure veins are fully distended and blood flows downward into the tube

    Extending the arm in a slightly downward position straightens the veins for easier access and ensures blood flows downward by gravity into the collection tubes.

  6. What should a phlebotomist do if they accidentally touch the cleaned venipuncture site before inserting the needle?

    Answer: Reclean the site with a fresh alcohol pad and allow it to dry

    If the cleaned site is touched, it is contaminated with bacteria from the phlebotomist's finger and must be recleaned with a fresh alcohol pad and allowed to air dry.

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  1. ncctinc.com — Test delivery, fees, registration deadline, score release, score validity, passing score, time limit, eligibility, exam information · verified Oct 2026