71. A phlebotomist is preparing to perform venipuncture on a patient who had a right-sided mastectomy. Which of the following is the correct site to perform the collection?
Answer: A
Left antecubital
The left antecubital region is the correct site for performing venipuncture on a patient who has had a right-sided mastectomy, as it avoids any complications related to the surgical site and promotes patient safety.
A) Left antecubital
This option is correct because the left antecubital area is the ideal site for venipuncture in this scenario. It is on the opposite side of the mastectomy, ensuring that the procedure does not involve the affected limb, thereby reducing the risk of complications such as lymphedema.
B) Right cephalic
The right cephalic vein is not a suitable choice for venipuncture in this case, as it is located on the same side as the mastectomy. Using this site could lead to complications due to altered lymphatic drainage and increased risk of infection.
C) Left femoral artery
The left femoral artery is an inappropriate site for venipuncture in this context. While it is on the correct side, the femoral artery is primarily used for arterial blood draws and is not a standard site for routine venipuncture, thus making it not ideal for this situation.
D) Right basilic
The right basilic vein is also an incorrect choice, as it is located on the same side as the mastectomy. Similar to the right cephalic, using this site could pose risks related to the surgical history of the patient and should be avoided.
Conclusion
The left antecubital region is definitively the safest and most appropriate site for venipuncture for this patient, as it minimizes the risk of complications associated with the right-sided mastectomy. All other options involve veins on the affected side or are not standard venipuncture sites, making them unsuitable for this procedure.