Question

Which of the following locations should a medical assistant identify as the preferred site for a capillary puncture on an adult patient?

1) Finger
2) Toe
3) Earlobe
4) Vein

Answer 1

1) Finger

The preferred site for a capillary puncture in adults is the finger, particularly for small blood samples. Venipuncture is performed on arm veins for larger volumes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The preferred site for a capillary puncture on an adult patient is the finger. Specifically, phlebotomists perform a capillary stick on a finger when only a small quantity of blood is required. Other sites like the earlobe or the heel of an infant may also be used depending on the situation. However, the finger is often the most accessible and convenient for adults. Venipuncture, which involves drawing blood from a vein, is typically performed on a surface vein in the arm and is used when more substantial volumes of blood are needed.