Which of the following is also an indication for arterial puncture?

• A. No palpable veins
• B. Visible vein
• C. Infection control
• D. Abnormal ECG

Answer: (A)

Arterial puncture is used when you need an arterial blood sample or real‑time arterial pressure monitoring, especially when venous access is not feasible. If there are no palpable veins, venous access attempts may fail, so drawing from an artery becomes a practical alternative to obtain the required blood gas values or to place an arterial line for ongoing monitoring. A visible vein suggests venous access is possible, so arterial puncture is not indicated in that situation. Infection control concerns address sterile technique and prevention of infections, not the choice between arterial and venous sampling. An abnormal ECG by itself does not mandate arterial puncture; it may affect how a procedure is performed but does not indicate arterial sampling.