Which of the following steps is NOT part of the venipuncture process?

The correct answer is that administering medication is not part of the venipuncture process. Venipuncture specifically refers to the procedure of accessing a vein to obtain blood samples or to set up intravenous (IV) access, and it includes a series of steps aimed at safely and effectively performing this task.

Inserting the needle into the vein is crucial as it is the main action that allows access to the bloodstream. Placing a tourniquet on the arm helps to elevate the veins, making them more visible and palpable, which simplifies the insertion process. Cleansing the injection site is an essential step to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that the area is sterile before the needle is inserted.

Administering medication, while it can occur after venipuncture, is a distinct action that does not belong to the venipuncture procedure itself. Venipuncture serves primarily to collect blood or create an access pathway for future interventions, not to directly provide medications, which would involve additional protocols and considerations.