1. To immobilize a hand vein, grasp the patient's hand with your nondominant hand. Place your fingers under her palm and fingers, with your thumb on top of her fingers below the knuckles. Pull her hand downward to flex her wrist, as shown above, creating an arch. To maintain the proper angle, make sure her elbow remains on the bed. Use your thumb to stretch the skin down over the knuckles to stabilize the vein. Keep a firm grip throughout venipuncture.