A nurse is performing a heel stick on a newborn. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Puncture the heel on the inner aspect of the foot.
Use an automatic puncture device on the heel.
Cleanse the newborn's heel with an alcohol swab after the procedure.
Place an ice pack on the newborn's heel 5 min before the procedure.
The Correct Answer is B
“Use an automatic puncture device on the heel.” This is the most common and minimally invasive method to draw capillary blood from an infant for medical testing.

Choice A is incorrect because the heel should be punctured on the outer aspect of the foot to avoid damaging the calcaneus bone.
Choice C is incorrect because the heel should be cleansed with an alcohol swab
before, not after, the procedure.
Choice D is incorrect because there is no need to place an ice pack on the newborn’s heel before the procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Yellow exudate will form at the surgical site in 24 hours.
After a Plastibell circumcision, the penis might develop a yellow-ish discharge which is a normal side effect that should go away in a few days.
Choice A is incorrect because the foreskin may darken around the ring while it remains on the penis until it falls off naturally in 7-10 days.
Choice B is incorrect because the plastic ring remains on the penis until foreskin falls off naturally in 7-10 days.
Choice D is incorrect because there is no information found that suggests making sure the newborn’s diaper is snug after a Plastibell circumcision.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A client who is 80% effaced and 8 cm dilated is in active labor and at risk for postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice A is not an answer because ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus and is not a risk for a client who is in active labor.
Choice C is not an answer because an incompetent cervix refers to a cervix that dilates prematurely during pregnancy and is not a risk for a client who is in active labor.
Choice D is not an answer because hyperemesis gravidarum refers to severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and is not a risk for a client who is in active labor.
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