Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 20 MAS 481 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Anchoring the Vein
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The idea
Anchor the vein so it does not roll away from the needle.
In practice
Hold the patient's arm and place your thumb below the puncture site, pulling the skin gently taut, and ask the patient to make a fist so the vein stands out.
Where people slip
Never place a finger over the vein to guide the needle; that contaminates the site.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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