Syringe, vacutainer, and needle size should Scar tissue can especially be problematic as it is hard to penetrate. After assembling the appropriate equipment, follow the next steps to perform a proper venipuncture. At nurse.org, we believe that no one knows nurses better than, well, nurses. If the needle site starts to bleed, apply pressure and raise your arm straight up for 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops. If you cant find one, consider the third option, the forearm. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about our daily giveaways from shoes to Patagonia gear, FIGS scrubs, cash, and more! Measure the distance from the top of the head to the chin. If no blood flows, pull out the needle and repeat the draw. Another way that prednisone can increase blood pressure is weight gain. So, get help! Orange light highlights veins as deep as 3 mm. To use a tourniquet to draw blood correctly, you should tie it three or four inches directly above the puncture site. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Apply a heat compress to the area for 3-5 minutes. The elderly lose fat tissue as well as muscle mass, making their skin saggy. I am a full time phlebotomist and I enjoy my job. Although this is something you mightve seen a lot in the movies, you should always avoid it. There are various reasons to perform a phlebotomy. 0000022045 00000 n
Keep the strip bandage on for the next several hours; to avoid a skin rash, clean the area around the bandage with soap and water. In order to reduce the risk of thrombosis, lines need to be flushed with a solution of heap in. The three most commonly used veins for drawing blood are the median cubital, the cephalic, and the basilic veins. Insert the needle through the skin at a 30-degree angle or less, with the bevel facing upwards. If you are drawing blood from an arm, make sure to sit near the patient, as close as possible. Once blood is seen in the tubing, connect the vacutainers or use a syringe to drawback. Before and after the insertion, the tube should be left in the holder. The practice of phlebotomy is not something that can strictly be learned from watching videos or reading a how-to guide but something that must be practiced repeatedly in a controlled environment with other trained professionals. They may be in a confused, agitated, or combative state of mind. What Does VEAL CHOP Stand For in Nursing? Putting some rolled towels underneath or a pillow helps, too (just make sure to put some chux on top of them in case you make a mess!).