Complications that can arise from venepuncture include haematoma forma- tion, nerve damage, pain, haemaconcentration, extra- vasation, iatrogenic anaemia, arterial puncture, pete- chiae, allergies, fear and phobia, infection, syncope and fainting, excessive bleeding, edema and thrombus.

How many venipuncture attempts should be made?

Only two attempts should be made to obtain a blood sample from the patient, using new equipment on each occasion. If second attempt is unsuccessful, a different competent practitioner may attempt phlebotomy one more time from a different site. A maximum of three attempts should be made at any one time.

What are the different safety precautions during venipuncture?

SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL

• Wear gloves and a lab coat or gown when handling blood/body fluids.
• Change gloves after each patient or when contaminated.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Dispose of items in appropriate containers.

  What are the four most common problems that occur with a venipuncture?

  Complications that can arise from venepuncture include haematoma formation, nerve damage, pain, haemaconcentration, extravasation, iatrogenic anaemia, arterial puncture, petechiae, allergies, fear and phobia, infection, syncope and fainting, excessive bleeding, edema and thrombus.

  How would you know if you damaged a nerve during venipuncture?

  sharp shooting pain up or down the arm. sensation of pain that changes in severity depending on needle position. “pins and needles” sensation or an “electric shock” feeling traveling down the arm from the venipuncture site. pain or tingling discomfort in the hand or fingertips.

  What are the 3 main veins to draw blood?

  The antecubital area of the arm is usually the first choice for routine venipuncture. This area contains the three vessels primarily used by the phlebotomist to obtain venous blood specimens: the median cubital, the cephalic and the basilic veins.

  How many venipuncture attempts should be made and why?

  The number of venipuncture attempts to insert a short peripheral catheter is a critical factor in the ultimate health of your patient’s veins. The 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice call for no more than 2 attempts per clinician with a limit on the total number of attempts to 4.