How do you draw blood from geriatric patients?
Puncture the vein in a quick, smooth motion. Insert the needle at a decreased angle since the veins are close to the surface of the skin. Choose a straight section of the hand vein – avoid any “intersection” or “V” where a vein branches into another vein. Only use the top of a hand for puncture.
What are the challenges in doing geriatric venipuncture?
The elderly patient can prove especially challenging for the phlebotomist. Dehydration, loss of vein patency, and low blood pressure are typical issues, while arthritis, injury, or stroke may give elderly patients a limited range of motion, making it impossible to hyperextend their arms to survey for available veins.
What is the preferred collection method in elderly patients why?
Therefore, a dermal puncture is preferred over venipuncture where too much blood may be inadvertently collected. In some facilities, the amount of blood obtained from a patient will be charted or recorded after every procedure.
Which vein is not preferable for elderly?
In the elderly however, the veins in the dorsum of the hand are not the preferable site for venous access because the veins are more mobile and fragile and the needle may cause bruising and bleeding under the skin, furthermore, they are tortuous and could be thrombosed [2].
Which method of drawing blood would you use on a patient with small or fragile veins?
Syringe – syringes are used to collect blood from patients with small or fragile veins. Another tool that can be used in these situations is a butterfly needle. Multi-sample blood collection needle – this device has two needles that are screwed into the holder.
At what angle should the venipuncture needle be inserted?
Grasp the patient’s arm firmly using your thumb to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein. The needle should form a 15 – 30 degree angle with the surface of the arm with the beveled side up. Swiftly insert the needle through the skin and into the lumen of the vein. Avoid trauma and excessive probing.
What is the most common method for drawing venous blood?
In medicine, venipuncture or venepuncture is the process of obtaining intravenous access for the purpose of venous blood sampling (also called phlebotomy) or intravenous therapy.
What are some challenges in starting an IV on an older patient?
With aging, the skin loses tone and elasticity and becomes more fragile and prone to bruising. Loss of subcutaneous tissue makes veins less stable, so they’re more apt to wiggle and roll under the skin as you try to insert an I.V. device. All these changes make vein tears, “blown” veins, and bruising more likely.
What is infiltration IV?
IV infiltrations and extravasations occur when fluid leaks out of the vein into surrounding soft tissue. Common signs include inflammation, tightness of the skin, and pain around the IV site. IV infiltration is a common complication of intravenous (IV) therapy.
What are the precautions for venipuncture in elderly patients?
Therefore, the phlebotomist must anchor the vein firmly and securely when attempting venipuncture. Skin: Skin may become thin and “papery” with advanced age. The phlebotomist must apply firm and prolonged pressure after venipuncture to prevent bruising. Use a bandage with a gentle adhesive to ensure stoppage of bleeding and promote skin integrity.
How should a phlebotomist react to geriatric patients?
Geriatric patients may also be unsteady on their feet. In such situations, the phlebotomist should react appropriately and walk alongside the patient, if necessary, to ensure patient safety. Veins: The veins of an elderly patient may appear to “roll” when venipuncture is attempted.
How can a phlebotomist prevent bruising after venipuncture?
The phlebotomist must apply firm and prolonged pressure after venipuncture to prevent bruising. Use a bandage with a gentle adhesive to ensure stoppage of bleeding and promote skin integrity. Health concerns: Some elderly patients take medications that could affect their bleeding or their balance.
Why does the vein move during a venipuncture?
The vein is not actually moving, but rather the muscles surrounding the vein have lost tone and the vein is not as stable as in a younger patient. Therefore, the phlebotomist must anchor the vein firmly and securely when attempting venipuncture.