Choose the vein: pick the straight run

Question 1Which segment makes the best target for a peripheral catheter?

1. aA vein at a branch point, where it is widest
2. bA straight, compressible, superficial segment with enough length for the catheter
3. cThe first round vein seen in short axis
4. dThe largest vein, whatever its depth

Question 2The puncture succeeds but the catheter will not thread. What is a likely cause?

1. aThe vein is too superficial
2. bThe vein is compressible
3. cThe tourniquet is on
4. dA valve, branch or sharp turn in the segment

Question 3Why can a deep vein lead to early catheter failure?

1. aDeep veins have no valves
2. bDeep veins never compress
3. cDeep veins are always thrombosed
4. dToo little of the catheter lies inside the vein

Question 4How do you check the run of a candidate vein?

1. aScan along it in short axis, then look at it in long axis
2. bPress hard at the puncture site only
3. cLook at the skin surface only
4. dUse colour Doppler at one point