When performing a venipuncture, the nurse should:
a. inject with the needle at a 45-degree angle.
b. select a vein that is rigid and cordlike, and that rolls when palpated.
c. perform the needle insertion immediately after cleansing the skin with alcohol.
d. place the thumb of the nondominant hand about 1 inch below the site and pull the skin taut.
D
Place the thumb or forefinger of the nondominant hand 1 inch below the site and gently pull the skin taut. Stretch the skin down until the vein is stabilized. Hold a syringe and needle at a 15- to 30-degree angle from the patient's arm with the bevel up. Palpate for a firm vein that rebounds. Do not use veins that feel rigid or cordlike; a thrombosed vein is rigid, rolls easily, and is difficult to puncture. Allowing alcohol to dry completes its antimicrobial task and reduces the "sting" of venipuncture. Alcohol left on the skin can cause hemolysis of the sample.
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