Question

When using an angiocath, it is best to__________.

1) use a bifurcated vein
2) use a vein valve
3) wash hands and use a clean work surface
4) use a specialist

Answer 1

When using an angiocath, the best practice is to wash hands and use a clean work surface to maintain aseptic technique and reduce infection risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

When using an angiocath, it is best to wash hands and use a clean work surface. This ensures that the procedure is carried out in a hygienic manner, reducing the risk of infection to the patient. It is important to practice good hygiene before any invasive procedure to maintain aseptic technique. Bifurcated veins or vein valves are not ideal for angiocath insertion, and while specialists may be involved in certain cases, the key factor is maintaining cleanliness.

Detailed steps for hand washing before a procedure include: wet hands with warm water, keeping hands below the forearms to prevent contaminated water from moving from the hands to the forearms. Other necessary precautions might involve draining blood from various veins such as the radial vein, ulnar veins, and the median antebrachial vein depending on the specific medical procedure.