Question

attachment Thomas Foster is a 28-yr-old Caucasian male inpatient. You have orders to draw his blood this morning. Upon examination of his veins you find that his antecubital veins are damaged from scar tissue and the veins in his hands and wrists have been damaged from IV drug use as well. Describe how you will proceed with the collection. ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION.

Answer 1

I would take all possible universal precautions during his blood collection as the patient has a high possibility of spreading infections like retroviral HIV-AIDS & Hepatitis B/C.

I will then proceed to search for other veins in this respective order -

1. Cephalic vein - prominent vein found along the anterolateral surface of the biceps brachii muscle.

2. Basilic vein - along the ulnar aspect of the superior forearm & inferior arm.

3. Peripheral veins on the lower limb - venous cut down of the great saphenous vein above the medial malleolus.

4. Central veins - internal jugular, subclavian & femoral veins can be catheterized as the last resort.

I will follow the standard procedures of tourniquet application & palpation of the distended vein, pre procedure disinfection using alcohol swabs. Then performing the venepuncture & drawing the appropriate amount of blood, into the appropriate tubes.

I will also bring the issue of the patients drug use to the notice of the treating doctors & senior nurses if it has not been made known so far.