A nurse is preparing to perform a blood glucose test. After performing hand hygiene and donning gloves, in which order should the nurse perform the following actions to obtain a capillary blood sample? (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Choice A Reason:

Positive Trousseau's sign is incorrect. Trousseau's sign is associated more with calcium imbalances, particularly hypocalcemia, and is assessed by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm to induce carpal spasm. It's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis related to high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.

Choice B Reason:

Dizziness upon standing is incorrect. Dizziness upon standing, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is more commonly associated with blood pressure changes upon position changes. While it can occur in various conditions, it's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis in this context.

Choice C Reason:

Tingling of the fingers is incorrect. Tingling sensations, known as paresthesia, can occur due to various reasons, including nerve damage related to chronic high blood sugar levels in diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). However, it's not a direct and specific indicator of metabolic acidosis caused by high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.

Choice D Reason:

Increased respiratory rate is correct. Metabolic acidosis in a diabetic individual can trigger compensatory mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate (Kussmaul respirations), as the body tries to eliminate excess acids through respiration to help regulate the acid-base balance. This increased respiratory rate is an attempt to blow off carbon dioxide (a potential acidic byproduct) and decrease the acidity in the blood.

Choice A Reason:
Isopropyl alcohol is the appropriate cleaning agent. While alcohol can be used as a disinfectant for some purposes, it might not be as effective as bleach against bloodborne pathogens like HIV. Bleach is generally recommended for disinfection in this context.
Choice B Reason:
Bleach is recommendable. Bleach is effective in disinfecting surfaces contaminated with bloodborne pathogens, including HIV. It's recommended for cleaning and disinfecting areas contaminated with blood as it can effectively kill many pathogens, including viruses like HIV. The standard recommendation is to create a solution of bleach and water to clean surfaces contaminated with blood.
Choice C Reason:
Hydrogen peroxide is not recommendable. Hydrogen peroxide has some disinfectant properties, but bleach is more effective against bloodborne pathogens like HIV when used to clean contaminated surfaces.
Choice D Reason:
Chlorhexidine is not appropriate. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic commonly used for skin disinfection before procedures. While it's effective for certain purposes, it's not typically recommended for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with bloodborne pathogens like HIV. Bleach is the preferred agent in such cases.