For a left-handed patient who had a right mastectomy but has good veins in the right hand, where is the best IV catheter site?

• A. Right hand
• B. Left lower arm
• C. The patient's preferred location
• D. Right antecubital site

Answer: (B)

Protecting the arm on the side of the mastectomy is the priority. After breast cancer surgery with lymph node removal, placing an IV on that same side can increase the risk of lymphedema and other lymphatic complications, so the IV is safest on the opposite arm.

In this scenario, that means using the left arm. Within the left arm, the forearm (lower arm) is a good choice because it provides accessible, relatively stable veins and is away from the elbow joint, reducing the chance of catheter dislodgement and movement-related issues. Even though the right hand might have good veins, it’s on the operated side and should be avoided.

So the best site is the left forearm to keep the right (operated) side protected while still offering reliable venous access.