A nurse is preparing to perform a routine capillary blood glucose test for a client with diabetes mellitus. Arrange the following steps of the procedure in the correct chronological order to ensure accurate diagnostic results and minimize the risk of infection.
- 1Cleanse the lateral aspect of the chosen fingertip with an alcohol swab.
- 2Allow the alcohol on the skin to air dry completely.
- 3Pierce the skin with a sterile lancet.
- 4Wipe away the first drop of blood using a clean gauze pad.
- 5Apply the second drop of blood to the reagent test strip.
Answer
The correct chronological sequence is to first cleanse the site, allow it to air dry, puncture the skin, wipe away the first drop of blood, and finally apply the second drop to the test strip.
Proper sequencing of capillary blood glucose testing is essential for risk reduction and diagnostic accuracy. Cleansing and drying the site prevents infection and chemical interference from the alcohol. Wiping away the first drop of blood removes serous fluid that can dilute the sample, ensuring that the second drop used for the test provides an accurate and reliable measurement.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Capillary Blood Glucose Collection Technique