Final answer:
When accessing veins for non-tunneled catheter or PICC placement, healthcare professionals should always avoid arteries, areas with thrombosis, and areas with inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When accessing veins for non-tunneled catheter or PICC placement, it is important to always avoid arteries. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to other parts of the body, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Arterial puncture can lead to significant complications, including bleeding, hematoma formation, nerve injury, and loss of blood flow to the affected area.
When accessing veins, healthcare professionals should also avoid areas with thrombosis (clot formation) or inflammation. These conditions can hinder the successful placement and function of the catheter.
To ensure safe and proper access to veins, healthcare professionals should be well-trained, follow aseptic techniques, and use appropriate equipment.