Which of the following is the correct angle of insertion when performing venipuncture using the evacuated tube method?
50°
30°
90°
75°
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
An angle of 50° is too steep for venipuncture and increases the risk of going through the vein and causing injury to structures beneath it. A steeper angle can also make it more difficult to control the depth of the needle, leading to an increased chance of puncturing the posterior wall of the vein.
Choice B Reason:
An angle of 30° is the recommended angle for venipuncture as it allows for a smooth entry into the vein without going too deep. This angle helps to ensure that the needle enters the vein in a controlled manner and minimizes the risk of injury to the patient. It also provides a good balance between ease of entry and control over the needle's depth.
Choice C Reason:
An angle of 90° is not recommended for venipuncture because it is perpendicular to the skin, which greatly increases the risk of passing through the vein entirely and causing injury. This angle does not allow for any control over the depth of the needle and is likely to cause discomfort or pain to the patient.
Choice D Reason:
An angle of 75° is also too steep for safe venipuncture. Similar to a 50° angle, it increases the risk of penetrating the posterior wall of the vein and potentially damaging surrounding tissues or arteries. It is important to use a lower angle to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient during the procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Positioning the needle at a 45° angle to the skin is not the recommended approach for venipuncture using a butterfly needle on dorsal hand veins. The correct angle for insertion is usually less than 45°, often around 15-30°, to ensure a shallow entry and reduce the risk of going through the vein.
Choice B Reason:
Holding the needle by the wings of the butterfly is the correct technique. This allows for better control and stability during insertion. The wings are designed to be held between the thumb and forefinger, providing an easy grip for the phlebotomist to maneuver the needle with precision.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing the patient to hold the collection tubes is not standard practice and could lead to pre-analytical errors. The phlebotomist should maintain control of the tubes to ensure proper blood flow and fill volume, as well as to prevent contamination or accidents.
Choice D Reason:
Applying the tourniquet at the antecubital area is not specific to the use of a butterfly needle for venipuncture on dorsal hand veins. While a tourniquet is used to engorge the veins and make them more prominent, its placement may vary depending on the selected puncture site and is not the action in question here.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose diabetes by measuring the body's response to glucose over a period of time. It is not used to identify bacteremia, which is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Choice B Reason:
A peripheral blood smear involves examining a sample of blood under a microscope to look for abnormalities in blood cells. While it can reveal signs of infection, it does not specifically identify bacteremia.
Choice C Reason:
A blood culture is the primary test used to detect bacteremia. It involves taking a sample of blood and incubating it to see if bacteria grow, which would indicate the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Choice D Reason:
Lactic acid levels in the blood are measured to assess the severity of sepsis, a condition that can result from bacteremia. Elevated lactic acid can indicate that tissues are not getting enough oxygen, but the test itself does not identify bacteremia.
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