Master the Intensive Care Medicine Challenge 2025 – Elevate Your Expertise and Save Lives!

Question: 1 / 400

Which of the following methods can be used to enlarge a vein before drawing blood?

Applying ice to the area

Lowering the limb

Lowering the limb is an effective method to enlarge a vein before drawing blood because it increases venous filling. When the limb is lowered, gravity assists in pooling blood in the veins, thereby making them more engorged and prominent. This can facilitate easier access for venipuncture.

In contrast, other methods are either not effective or not appropriate in this context. While applying ice may constrict blood vessels, holding the breath can create tension that may not contribute to vein visibility. Elevating the limb can lead to decreased blood return to the area, making veins less prominent. Therefore, lowering the limb is the most effective and commonly utilized method to enhance vein visibility for blood draws.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Holding the breath

Elevating the limb

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy