Anatomical Site Selection for Venipuncture Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical site selection for venipuncture, vein choices, sites to avoid, and special clinical protocols.

Antecubital (AC) Fossa

The area on the anterior view of the elbow where veins lie close to the surface and are most prominent for blood drawing.

Median Cubital Vein

The first choice vein for venipuncture located in the center of the antecubital fossa.

Cephalic Vein

The second choice vein for venipuncture located on the lateral aspect of the antecubital fossa.

Basilic Vein

The third choice vein (last resort) in the antecubital fossa due to its close proximity to nerves and the brachial artery.

M-Pattern Antecubital Veins

An anatomical venous arrangement in the antecubital fossa displaying the median, median cephalic, median basilic, cephalic, and basilic veins.

Dorsal Venous Network

The network of veins on the back (dorsal side) of the hand utilized when antecubital fossa veins are inaccessible.

Leg and Foot Veins

Veins including the great saphenous, femoral, popliteal, tibial, and venous arch that require a physician's permission to puncture due to high infection and thrombosis risk.

Bifurcated Vein

A vein that splits or forks into two branches; puncturing at this location can cause a large hematoma and must be avoided.

Arm on Side of a Mastectomy

A site to avoid because lymph node removal leads to higher susceptibility to infections and altered chemical constituents; blood should be drawn from the opposite arm.

Double Mastectomy Protocol

A scenario where blood collection should consider hand veins or dermal punctures after obtaining physician orders.

Edema

An accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces of the body that makes veins difficult to palpate and can compromise specimen quality.

Hematoma

A bruise caused by blood leaking from blood vessels and collecting in surrounding tissue following a puncture or inadequate post-draw pressure.

TTN Sequence

The protocol followed if a hematoma forms during a blood draw: T = Tourniquet released, T = Tube removed, N = Needle withdrawn.

Tortuous Veins

Twisted or winding veins where it is easy to accidentally push a needle through the vessel wall.

Thrombotic Veins

Veins containing a blood clot that feel hard, inflexible, and tender upon palpation.

Phlebitic Veins

Inflamed blood vessels that appear red and feel warm and tender to the touch.

Scars (Venipuncture Site)

Areas with impaired circulation that feel hard, inflexible, and tender, which can lead to erroneous test results.

Tattoos (Venipuncture Site)

Skin areas that may mask problem sites and impair the ability to detect bruising, rashes, and other adverse reactions.

Arm with an IV Line Protocol

Protocol requiring draws to be performed BELOW the insertion site if both arms have IVs, after waiting a minimum of 15 minutes once the nurse turns off the IV line.

Fistulas and Vascular Grafts

Permanent surgical connections created for dialysis patients or long-term IV medication that must NEVER be punctured.