Clinical ProceduresQuestion 44 of 100
What is the correct needle angle for a routine venipuncture in the antecubital fossa?
a.90 degrees, straight down into the vein
b.45 to 60 degrees with the bevel down
c.5 degrees, nearly flat against the skin
d.About 15 to 30 degrees with the bevel up
Explanation
Venipuncture is performed at roughly a 15 to 30 degree angle with the bevel facing up, which lets the needle enter the vein lumen smoothly. A 90-degree angle would pass through the vein and into deeper tissue. A very flat 5-degree approach tends to slide along the surface without entering, and a bevel-down position can block blood flow against the vein wall.
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