Which condition is a vein contraindication for IV insertion?

• A. Extremities with lymph node removal, including a mastectomy
• B. Presence of a tattoo
• C. History of headaches
• D. No prior IV attempts

Answer: (A)

Avoid placing a peripheral IV in an arm that has had lymph node removal, such as after a mastectomy, because the lymphatic drainage on that side can be compromised. Inserting an IV there can worsen or trigger lymphedema and raise infection risk since the arm’s ability to manage interstitial fluid and immune responses is reduced. This makes that extremity a contraindicated site for IV access. The other options don’t carry this issue: a tattoo doesn’t automatically prevent IV placement if the skin is intact, headaches aren’t related to IV site selection, and not having prior IV attempts is not a contraindication—you would choose the most appropriate, accessible vein instead.