Blood Draws

athena55, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2008

Hello neyney1979

Well, I was gonna suggest that you keep "practicing" on your patients but then I re-read what you wrote and realized you deal with the "wee ones" GULP! I don't work pediatrics.

Now I was checking out some web sites for you, and if I find anymore I will edit this post...

www.phlebotomy.com

www.phlebotomypages.com

Gosh, I wish I could have been more help to you....But I'll keep looking

athena

www.phlebotomypages.com/child_venipuncture.htm

athena

traveljen · Jun 5, 2008

why are you drawing in a peds office anyways why isn't the lab doing the draws? but what might help with finding a vein is first of all always go by feel not by sight. i would see if you could observe someone else draw and have them show you where they are going feel the vein and just see how they do it. also have someone watch you to see if they can give you some helpful tips. make sure your tourniquet is tight enough to pop up the vein the patient might say its to tight or it hurts but just explain to them it needs to be that way so you can get the blood. if the problem is with blood flow you might not be in the vein all the way or might be in to far so try just adjust your needle a little bit. peds do get easier but it does take time.

elizabells, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2008

If you think you're in but not getting flow, try raising the back end of the butterfly a little - sometimes the veins are so small the bevel is right up against the inside of the vessel wall, and tilting it gets it back down into the lumen. Also in kids you're not going to get as much of a "pop" when you hit the vein as you do in adults, so don't just keep pushing while you wait for it - you may never get it.

neyney1979 · Jun 6, 2008

why are you drawing in a peds office anyways why isn't the lab doing the draws? but what might help with finding a vein is first of all always go by feel not by sight. i would see if you could observe someone else draw and have them show you where they are going feel the vein and just see how they do it. also have someone watch you to see if they can give you some helpful tips. make sure your tourniquet is tight enough to pop up the vein the patient might say its to tight or it hurts but just explain to them it needs to be that way so you can get the blood. if the problem is with blood flow you might not be in the vein all the way or might be in to far so try just adjust your needle a little bit. peds do get easier but it does take time.

We have an in house lab so the nurse do the blood draws. I will try the advice about going by feel not sight. I have heard a few people say that is the best way. Thanks for the tips. I really appreciate it.

neyney1979 · Jun 6, 2008

If you think you're in but not getting flow, try raising the back end of the butterfly a little - sometimes the veins are so small the bevel is right up against the inside of the vessel wall, and tilting it gets it back down into the lumen. Also in kids you're not going to get as much of a "pop" when you hit the vein as you do in adults, so don't just keep pushing while you wait for it - you may never get it.

Thanks so much for the tips. I have done plenty of blood draws but lately I have hit a rough patch.

RNcDreams · Jun 6, 2008

Get someone who is very strong to help you hold-- it only takes a little twist of the arm for that AC vein to disappear!

Never underestimate the strength of a 2 year old!!

Also:

-Warm packs can help

- Do not let people rush you-- be positive of what you are feeling/seeing and take your time and breathe

-Sometimes, pulling the butterfly needle out a bit will get you a better flow, as well as the previously mentioned tip of lifting the back end a bit so you are on a slight angle-- that bevel is very small and if its against a valve or the wall of the vein, no blood comes out.

No worries, you'll get better with practice!