Venipuncture Procedures Flashcards

Which vein is considered the FIRST choice for routine venipuncture in most patients?

Answer: Median cubital vein

The median cubital vein is the preferred first choice because it is large, well-anchored, and less painful to puncture.

What is the maximum recommended time a tourniquet should remain applied before venipuncture?

Answer: 1 minute

A tourniquet should not remain in place for more than 1 minute to prevent hemoconcentration and erroneous lab results.

A phlebotomist notices the needle bevel is facing downward during insertion. What problem will likely occur?

Answer: Failure to enter the vein or poor blood flow

The bevel must face upward to allow smooth entry into the vein; a downward bevel causes the needle tip to press against the vein wall, impeding flow.

When using an evacuated tube system, which tube should be filled LAST to avoid carryover contamination?

Answer: Lavender EDTA

EDTA in the lavender tube can contaminate other tubes and is drawn last among additive tubes to protect coagulation and chemistry results.

A patient's arm shows signs of a hematoma forming during blood draw. What is the FIRST action to take?

Answer: Release the tourniquet and remove the needle immediately

A forming hematoma indicates blood is leaking into surrounding tissue; the tourniquet must be released and the needle removed to stop further extravasation.

What needle gauge is most commonly used for routine adult venipuncture?

Answer: 21 gauge

A 21-gauge needle provides an optimal balance of blood flow rate and patient comfort for routine adult venipuncture.

After venipuncture, gauze pressure should be applied for at least how long to ensure hemostasis in a normal patient?

Answer: 1–2 minutes

Firm pressure for 1–2 minutes is adequate for most patients with normal coagulation to achieve hemostasis at the puncture site.