Question

During venipuncture, the technologist places the needle bevel ____ at a ____degree angle to the skin's surface?

a) Up, 45
b) Up, 15
c) Down, 15
d) Down, 45

Answer 1

During venipuncture, the needle bevel should be facing up, and is typically inserted at a 15 degree angle to the skin's surface for a smooth entry into the vein and minimal patient discomfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

During venipuncture, the correct technique involves orienting the needle such that the bevel is facing up, and the needle is inserted at a shallow angle to the skin. This usually means the needle is held at approximately a 15 to 30 degree angle, with a common practice being closer to 15 degrees. This technique helps in ensuring a smooth entry of the needle into the vein, minimizing discomfort for the patient and reducing the risk of piercing through the vein.

When the bevel is up, it allows the healthcare professional to see the entry point of the needle and also helps in the smooth insertion of the needle into the vein. The low angle is beneficial because a steeper angle could cause the needle to go through the vein entirely and cause multiple punctures or injury. Gentle insertion at a shallow angle aids in accessing the vein with precision.