19. Which of the following is an appropriate technique for specimen collection?
Answer: B
Performing a finger stick on a toddler patient is an appropriate technique for specimen collection.
In pediatric patients, particularly toddlers, a finger stick is a common and acceptable method for specimen collection, as it minimizes discomfort while still providing adequate blood samples.
A) Performing a heel stick on a 5-year-old patient
Heel sticks are primarily used for infants, particularly those under 6 months of age, as their heels are softer and more suitable for this approach. For a 5-year-old patient, this technique is inappropriate due to the age-related physical development.
B) Performing a finger stick on a toddler patient
This method is appropriate because toddlers, typically aged 1 to 3 years, have developed enough finger tissue that allows for a safe and effective blood collection. It is a standard practice for obtaining small blood samples in this age group.
C) Performing a thumb stick on an infant
A thumb stick is not a recognized technique for specimen collection and is not appropriate for infants. The thumbs are generally less suitable for blood collection than the heel, making this method ineffective and potentially harmful.
D) Performing a thumb stick on a 5-year-old patient
Similar to the case with infants, using a thumb stick on a 5-year-old is inappropriate. The thumb is not an optimal site for this age group and can lead to complications or inadequate samples.
Conclusion
Option B stands out as the correct answer because it employs a technique that is both age-appropriate and effective for the target population. The other options fail because they either utilize inappropriate sites for the specified age or employ techniques that do not align with best practices in specimen collection.