Question

a nurse is preparing to obtain a capillary blood glucose level from a child who has diabetes mellitus. which of the following actions should the nurse take? position the finger in a dependent position prior to collecting the specimen. gently smear the blood on the reagent strip. puncture the central tip of the ring finger to obtain the specimen. puncture the site with the lancet using a quick motion at a 45° angle.

Explanation:

Positioning the finger in a dependent position prior to collecting the specimen helps increase blood flow to the finger for an easier blood - draw. Smearing blood on the reagent strip is incorrect as it can lead to inaccurate results; blood should be applied in a drop. Puncturing the central tip of the ring finger can be more painful and may cause more scarring, and the side of the finger is preferred. Puncturing at a 90 - degree angle is typical, not 45 degrees.

Answer:

Position the finger in a dependent position prior to collecting the specimen.