Question

Preparing to collect a blood specimen from a newborn via a heel stick. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use to help minimize the pain of the procedure for the newborn?

a) Apply a warm compress to the heel before the procedure.
b) Administer a local anesthetic to the heel.
c) Engage the newborn in soothing conversation during the procedure.
d) Perform the heel stick quickly and efficiently to minimize discomfort.

Answer 1

To help minimize the pain of a heel stick procedure for a newborn, the nurse should apply a warm compress to the heel before the procedure (Option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

A warm compress applied to the newborn's heel before a heel stick can help minimize pain due to the newborn's responsive sense of touch.

This is because newborns have a well-developed sense of touch and respond positively to warm stimuli, which can help soothe and relax them, potentially reducing the sensation of pain.

Although engaging the newborn in conversation and performing the procedure quickly are also good practices, they are less effective at pain reduction compared to a physical intervention such as a warm compress.

Administering a local anesthetic could also minimize pain but may not be practical or recommended for minor procedures like a heel stick.

It's also important to ensure that all procedural items, such as the needle and sponge, are ready and that any specimens collected are correctly labeled with the patient's name.

Hence, the correct answer is Option A.