Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 42%

Which of the following is an appropriate technique for specimen collection?

Rationale

Performing a finger stick on a toddler patient.

This method is appropriate as toddlers are generally old enough to have their fingers used for blood collection, allowing for a less invasive and more comfortable procedure compared to heel sticks or thumb sticks, which are typically reserved for younger infants.

A (Performing a heel stick on a 5-year-old patient) YOUR ANSWER

Heel sticks are primarily used for newborns and infants under 6 months of age, as their heel tissue is softer and more suitable for this technique. In a 5-year-old patient, the heel is less ideal due to increased tissue density and the child’s ability to tolerate finger sticks.

B (Performing a finger stick on a toddler patient) CORRECT

Finger sticks are suitable for toddlers, providing a practical and effective means of blood collection. This technique is less traumatic than heel sticks for older children and yields sufficient blood volume for testing, making it the correct choice.

C (Performing a thumb stick on an infant) YOUR ANSWER

Thumb sticks are not a standard practice for infants. Instead, heel sticks are preferred due to the anatomical suitability of the heel for blood collection in very young patients. Thumb sticks could also pose a risk of injury or discomfort.

D (Performing a thumb stick on a 5-year-old patient) YOUR ANSWER

Similar to heel sticks, thumb sticks are not typically performed on older children. Finger sticks are the preferred method for blood collection in this age group due to their effectiveness and reduced discomfort compared to using the thumb.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice of blood collection technique is crucial in pediatrics, as it must align with the patient’s age and anatomical considerations. Performing a finger stick on a toddler is appropriate due to their developmental stage, while heel and thumb sticks are less suitable for older children. Understanding these nuances ensures successful and comfortable specimen collection.

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