Question

You are about to perform a venipuncture on an 8-year-old child in icu. you notice bandages on the child's hand and both antecubital areas. which of the following actions should you take prior to performing the blood collection?

a) Proceed with the venipuncture as planned
b) Consult the child's medical records for information on recent blood draws
c) Ask the child about the bandages and proceed based on their response
d) Inform the healthcare team and assess alternative sites for blood collection

Answer 1

Prior to performing a venipuncture on a child in ICU with bandaged hands and arms, one should inform the healthcare team and consult the child's medical records to assess the best alternative site for blood collection, prioritizing safety and comfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before performing a venipuncture on an 8-year-old child in the ICU with bandages on the hand and both antecubital areas, it is important to take careful preparatory steps. The recommended action is to inform the healthcare team and assess alternative sites for blood collection. Consultation of the child's medical records for recent blood draws is also prudent to understand recent procedures and avoid complications, such as hematoma or excessive discomfort, that may arise from repeated venipunctures in the same area. It is critical to note that the median cubital vein is the most common site for venipuncture, due to its accessibility and size, but in the event that this site is not available, alternative sites such as the radial or ulnar veins should be considered, always bearing in mind the child's comfort and the feasibility of the site.