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Which vein site is overused and can become scarred or sclerotic?

a. Dorsal wrist
b. Back of the hand
c. Anterior surface of the elbow
d. Superficial foot

User Kudeh
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The anterior surface of the elbow is the vein site that can become scarred or sclerotic due to overuse, especially because of its frequent use for blood draws and IV placements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vein site that is most overused and can become scarred or sclerotic is the anterior surface of the elbow. This area of the arm contains the median cubital vein, which is commonly utilized for drawing venous blood samples due to its superficial location and accessibility. However, frequent use of this site for venipuncture or intravenous catheter placement can lead to scarring and the development of a sclerotic vein. The digital veins, ulnar vein, and median antebrachial vein feed into this area, making it a central hub for blood drainage from the upper limbs.