Question

1. Describe how veins, arteries, and tendons feel when palpating them.

2. Describe the proper way of inserting a butterfly needle or winged infusion set for blood collection.

Answer 1

Describe how veins, arteries, and tendons feel when palpating them.

To palpate a vein,artery,tendon gently and firmly push down on the skin with index finger, then slowly release the pressure.

If palpating a vein, it will feel like vein bounce

back as release the pressure. If palpating a tendon, it will feel like a rope or thread that is pulled tightly. If doubt, release the tourniquet and palpate the area again. If the "tight rope" is still there, confirm its a tendon. If feel a pulse, confirm it is an artery.

Describe the proper way of inserting a butterfly needle or winged infusion set for blood collection.

A butterfly needle is a device used to draw blood from a vein or deliver intravenous (IV) therapy to a vein. Also called a winged infusion set or scalp vein set, a butterfly needle consists of a very thin hypodermic needle, two flexible wings,a flexible transparent tubing, and a connector. The connector can be attached to a vacuum tube or collection bag to draw blood or to tubing from an infusion pump or IV bag to deliver fluids or medications. Medications can also be delivered directly to the connector via a syringe.

1.During venipuncture a nurse should hold the butterfly needle by its wings between the thumb and index finger. (Because the hypodermic needle is short and the grasp is close to the needle, the butterfly needle can be placed more accurately than a straight needle, which can often roll or wiggle in the fingers.)

2.The short, thin needle is inserted toward a vein at a shallow angle.

3. Once the cannula inserted, the venous pressure will force a small amount of blood into the transparent tubing, providing confirmation that the needle is correctly placed.

4. The wings can also serve to stabilize the needle once it is in place, preventing it from rolling or shifting.

5.Once the butterfly cannula used (blood is drawn or medication is delivered), the entire unit is thrown away in a sharps disposal container. The puncture wound is then bandaged.