Final answer:
Alternative venipuncture sites include the subclavian, internal thoracic, axillary, cephalic, brachial, intercostal, basilic, median cubital, and thoracoepigastric veins. The basilic vein is a prominent alternative, connecting to both the median antebrachial and median cubital veins, which are also viable options.
Step-by-step explanation:
If arm veins cannot be used for venipuncture, other locations that can be utilized include the subclavian vein, internal thoracic vein, axillary vein, cephalic vein, brachial veins, intercostal veins, basilic vein, median cubital vein, and thoracoepigastric vein. These veins offer alternative sites for drawing blood or administering intravenous therapy when the more commonly used median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa is not an option. The basilic vein, for instance, travels through the arm medially and superficially to the axillary vein, providing a good alternative venipuncture site.
The median antebrachial vein, which parallels the ulnar vein and is more medial in location, is another option as it joins the basilic vein in the forearm. The basilic vein, in turn, connects to the median cubital vein, which is a common site for venipuncture that links the cephalic and basilic veins. Finally, veins that drain the hand and digits, such as the radial and ulnar veins, can be considered as alternative sites for venipuncture.