Question 58

It is important to wipe away the first drop of blood.

Wiping away the first drop of blood during a heel stick for a PKU test is crucial as it helps to remove any tissue fluid that may contaminate the sample, ensuring accurate test results.

A) wrap the site with a heel warmer for 30 min.

While using a heel warmer can help increase blood flow to the area, it is not a standard requirement for performing a heel stick for a PKU test. The emphasis is more on ensuring the quality of the blood sample, which wiping away the first drop addresses.

B) wipe away the first drop of blood.

This option is correct because the first drop of blood can contain interstitial fluid, which can lead to inaccurate test results. By wiping it away, the phlebotomist ensures that the sample collected for the PKU test is pure and representative of the blood's composition.

C) keep a pressure dressing on the site for the day.

This option is incorrect as maintaining a pressure dressing is not necessary for a heel stick. The procedure should be minimally invasive, and a pressure dressing is typically not required after the blood collection for a PKU test.

D) target the central arch area of the foot for the least amount of discomfort.

While targeting the correct area for a heel stick can minimize discomfort, the primary focus for a PKU test is the quality of the blood sample. Hence, this option does not address the critical step of ensuring sample integrity, which is the main concern.

Conclusion

Wiping away the first drop of blood is essential to obtain an accurate PKU test result, as it mitigates the risk of contamination from interstitial fluid. Other options, while they may involve proper technique or comfort, do not address the crucial need for sample purity and accuracy, which makes option B the definitive correct choice.