Question

Which of the following veins is most likely to collapse when performing a venipuncture?

a) Median cubital vein
b) Cephalic vein
c) Basilic vein
d) Radial vein

Answer 1

The median cubital vein is the vein most likely to collapse during a venipuncture. It is the common site for drawing blood because of its superficial location and larger diameter, which also makes it susceptible to collapsing if not carefully handled.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vein most likely to collapse during a venipuncture is the median cubital vein. This vein is a superficial vessel located in the antecubital region that links the cephalic vein to the basilic vein, typically forming a V shape. Despite being the most common site for a venipuncture due to its accessibility, it can collapse if not properly anchored during the procedure. This vein is preferred for being sufficiently superficial and for having a larger diameter, which facilitates easier venipuncture.

However, due to these characteristics, alongside its location, there is a higher tendency for it to collapse compared to deeper or more stable veins like the cephalic vein, basilic vein, or radial vein.