Question

A nurse is 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. Warm the heel with a cold compress.
b. Perform the heel stick quickly without preparation.
c. Use a warm blanket to heat the heel.
d. Apply a lancet to the center of the heel.

Answer 1

To minimize pain during a heel stick procedure for a newborn, the nurse should warm the heel with a warm blanket and avoid puncturing the center of the heel. Other comforting techniques such as soft rocking and giving a pacifier can also be used.

Step-by-step explanation:

The technique a nurse should use to help minimize the pain of a heel stick procedure for a newborn is to use a warm blanket to heat the heel. Warming the heel makes the puncture easier and likely less painful as it helps in dilating the blood vessels, making the blood flow more easily. It is important to avoid applying a lancet to the center of the heel as it contains important structures, instead, the lancet should be applied to the medial or lateral aspects of the heel. Additionally, the nurse might consider engaging in calming measures such as gentle rocking or providing a pacifier, as neonates respond positively to soft touch and can often comfort themselves by sucking.