Procedural Skills for Medical Students
Venipuncture
Objectives:
1. Learners should be able to verbalize the
indications, contraindications, and complications
for venipuncture.
2. Learners will be able to demonstrate
venipuncture using sterile technique on IV
trainers.
Material to review prior to lab: Video on venipuncture
Indications:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Obtain blood samples for analysis (phlebotomy)
Administration of intravenous fluids
Administration of intravenous medication
Administration of intravenous sedation
Administration of blood and blood products
Treatment of polycythemia
Contraindications:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Phlebitis - firm, hard, painful
Cellulitis
Lymphangitis/mastectomy
Scarring
Recent venipuncture at same location
Venous obstruction at the proposed site of venipuncture
Intravenous line in place on same arm as venipuncture
Equipment: IV trainers, IV catheters, butterfly needles, syringes, blood sample tubes
Instructional Procedure & Endpoints:
1. Learners will be oriented to IV trainers and equipment in ASTEC.
2. ASTEC staff will demonstrate instruction on proper technique for venipuncture.
3. Learners will demonstrate venipuncture using sterile technique on IV trainers to ASTEC
staff.
References:
Medical Videos. Date unknonwn. Venipuncture. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalvideos.us/videos/1436/
O’Connell, T. (2011). Drawing blood cultures. In J.L. Pfenninger, & G.C. Fowler (Eds.),
Procedures for Primary Care, 3rd Ed (1484-1486). Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby.
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