And Now A Word About...Veins

In my line of work as an ER RN (nurse), I (male) have a problem connecting to some of my patients, in a hematological sort of way. In other words, some patients have invisible veins, which makes it nearly impossible to draw blood or insert an IV. So why am I bringing this to your attention (readers of House Calls)? First, lower your arm and look at the inside of your elbow and forearm. See any blue thingys, otherwise known as veins? If you do, then you're in good shape, at least in my book. But if for some reason you see nothing but skin and probably fat, even on the backs of your hands, then I would classify you as problematic, in the field of healthcare, that is.

Q: What do I do if I have no visible veins?
A: Lose weight, lift weight, and wait.

Q: What if I'm not an obese person, but I see no veins a'tall?
A: Well, I believe that some simple strength training exercises focusing on the bicep will cure that. Look a the veins on someone who strength-trains on a regular basis, and you will see veins on their arms, good ones. For women, prominent veins and strong-looking hands are the new sexy for the millenium.

Q: What about persons of color?
A: Color doesn't hide veins, but blubber will.

Q: How will having good veins help me, Stu?
A: Good veins means I won't have to stick you but one time to draw blood and insert an I.V. catheter. I have had patients that required as many as 12 or more attempts before finding a vein. So unless you're into serious body piercing, get veins.

This public message was made possible by RN's and Phlebotomists everywhere.