70. Which of the following areas should a phlebotomist use for a capillary collection from a 2-month-old infant?
Answer: A
Lateral section of the plantar heel
The lateral section of the plantar heel is the recommended site for capillary collection from a 2-month-old infant due to its accessibility and safety, minimizing the risk of injury to deeper structures.
A) Lateral section of the plantar heel
This option is correct as it is the safest and most effective site for capillary blood collection in infants. The lateral plantar heel avoids major nerves and blood vessels, making it ideal for drawing blood with minimal discomfort and risk to the infant.
B) Central area of the heel
The central area of the heel is not recommended because it is closer to deeper structures, which increases the risk of hitting nerves and causing pain or complications during the blood collection process.
C) Posterior curvature of the heel
The posterior curvature of the heel is also an inappropriate choice for capillary collection as it poses a higher risk of injury to underlying tissues and is not easily accessible for obtaining blood samples in infants.
D) Palmer surface of the distal phalanx
The palmer surface of the distal phalanx is not suitable for capillary collection from infants. This area is typically avoided due to the potential for injury and the lower volume of blood that can be safely obtained, especially in younger patients.
Conclusion
The lateral section of the plantar heel is definitively the correct choice for capillary collection in a 2-month-old infant, as it minimizes risk and maximizes comfort. All other options either pose a risk of injury or are less effective for obtaining sufficient blood volume, highlighting the importance of site selection in pediatric phlebotomy.