Question 70

The medial or lateral areas of the heel are the best sites for phenylketonuria collection on an infant.

The preferred sites for phenylketonuria collection in infants are the medial or lateral areas of the heel. These areas are accessible and provide a sufficient blood supply while minimizing the risk of complications.

A) The medial or lateral areas of the heel

This option is correct as the medial or lateral areas of the heel are specifically recommended for heelsticks in infants due to their vascularity and lower risk of injury. These sites allow for effective blood collection while avoiding damage to important structures.

B) The central area of the heel

The central area of the heel is not recommended for blood collection in infants as it poses a higher risk of damaging deeper structures such as nerves and blood vessels. Thus, it is less suitable compared to the medial or lateral areas.

C) The medial or lateral area of the fingertip

While the medial or lateral areas of the fingertip could be used for older children or adults, they are not ideal for infants. Infants have smaller and more delicate fingers, making heelsticks a safer and more effective option for blood collection.

D) The central area of the fingertip

This option is inappropriate for infants as the central area of the fingertip can lead to complications, similar to the central area of the heel. The structure of an infant's fingertip makes it less viable for blood collection compared to the heel.

Conclusion

The medial or lateral areas of the heel are definitively the best sites for phenylketonuria collection in infants due to their safety and effectiveness. In contrast, the other options either pose risks or are not suitable for the anatomical considerations of infants. Thus, option A stands out as the optimal choice for this procedure.