Final answer:
The easiest vein to palpate in an obese patient is the median cubital vein, which is a branch of the basilic vein in the forearm that crosses at an angle to join the cephalic vein.
Step-by-step explanation:
The median cubital vein is the easiest vein to palpate in an obese patient. It is a branch of the basilic vein in the forearm that crosses at an angle to join the cephalic vein, and it is the most common site for drawing venous blood in humans. The cephalic vein is also easily palpable and located along the surface of the biceps brachii muscle in individuals without excessive subcutaneous adipose tissue in the arms. However, the median cubital vein is more accessible in obese patients.