The nurse must do a heel stick on an ill neonate to obtain a blood sample. What action is recommended to facilitate blood flow?
A) Apply cool, moist compresses.
B) Apply a tourniquet to the ankle.
C) Elevate the foot for 5 minutes.
D) Wrap the foot in a warm washcloth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before the blood sample is taken, the heel is heated with warm moist compresses for 5 to 10 minutes to dilate the blood vessels in the area. Cooling causes vasoconstriction, making blood collection more difficult. A tourniquet is used to constrict superficial veins. It will have an insignificant effect on capillaries. Elevating the foot will decrease the blood in the foot available for collection.

The Nurse Must Do a Heel Stick on an Ill