Tips for Easier, Less Painful Venipuncture
In some patients, venipuncture either for blood withdrawal or insertion of an intravenous line presents considerable difficulties.
In some patients, venipuncture either for blood withdrawal or insertion of an intravenous line presents considerable difficulties. To obviate the need for multiple inconvenient and painful attempts at securing the needle, apply a warm pad to the target vein for a few minutes. This helps dilate the vein and makes it more visible and accessible. Also consider numbing the area with local anesthetic spray, especially if you are anticipating more than 1 needle prick.
-- Fadi Jabr, MD
Florence, Ore
Podcast: Arthritis, Anxiety, and Depression: Managing a Common Comorbidity
May 14th 2012Anxiety is even more common than depression among people who have arthritis, a new study has shown. Here to discuss the implications for diagnosis and treatment is Eilzabeth Lin MD, a family medicine physician who is a longstanding researcher in the field of depression and pain.
