A newborn who is preparing for discharge requires a routine neonatal metabolic screening test via heel stick. Arrange the following procedural actions the nurse should take to obtain the capillary blood sample in the correct chronological sequence.
- 1Apply a warm compress to the newborn's heel for a few minutes.
- 2Cleanse the designated puncture area with an alcohol wipe and let it air-dry.
- 3Puncture the lateral or medial outer edge of the heel using a neonatal lancet.
- 4Wipe away the initial drop of blood using a dry, sterile gauze pad.
- 5Allow subsequent blood drops to completely fill the circles on the filter paper.
- 6Apply gentle pressure to the puncture site with clean gauze until bleeding stops.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first warm the heel, cleanse and dry the site, puncture the appropriate outer edge, wipe away the first drop of blood, collect the specimen on the filter paper, and finally apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
Following this specific sequence ensures the infant's safety by avoiding bone injury, prevents infection, and guarantees an uncontaminated, high-quality blood sample necessary for accurate metabolic screening.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Newborn Capillary Blood Sampling (Heel Stick) Sequence