Which vein on the dorsum of the arm is acceptable for venipuncture?

• A. Cephalic vein
• B. Median cubital vein
• C. Basilic vein on dorsum of the arm
• D. Great saphenous vein

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a venipuncture site should be a visible, palpable, superficial vein that can be easily accessed without risking nearby structures. The basilic vein on the dorsum of the arm fits this well: it’s a prominent superficial vein that can be felt and stabilized for puncture from the back of the arm, making it a reliable alternative when the usual elbow-area veins aren’t suitable. It’s large enough to yield blood and located in a region where the needle can reach it without hitting deeper arteries or nerves.

The other choices aren’t appropriate for an arm venipuncture in this context: the great saphenous vein is in the leg, not the arm, so it wouldn’t be used for an arm draw. The cephalic vein is another arm vein, but the scenario specifies the dorsum of the arm’s basilic vein as the acceptable site, which is consistent with using a superficial, accessible vein on that region.