Final answer:
4) place the newborn skin to skin on the mothers chest
The nurse should use the technique of placing the newborn skin to skin on the mother's chest to minimize pain during a heel stick procedure. This method provides comfort through closeness with the mother and takes advantage of the newborn's developed sense of touch for pain mitigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To help minimize the pain of a heel stick procedure for a newborn, the nurse should use specific techniques catered to the delicate nature of neonatal care. A suitable and widely-accepted method is to place the newborn skin to skin on the mother's chest. This technique utilizes the natural comfort provided by close contact with the mother to soothe and calm the newborn, oftentimes resulting in reduced perceptions of pain. Applying a cold pack to the heel would not typically be a recommended approach prior to puncture, as it could cause discomfort and vasoconstriction, potentially making the procedure more difficult. Requesting an intramuscular analgesic is not standard for a heel stick and is generally reserved for more invasive procedures. Using a manual lance blade is standard practice for piercing the skin; however, it is the approach and manner in which the lancet is used that can help reduce pain, such as ensuring the lancet is sharp and the procedure is quick.
Considering the sense of touch in the neonate is well developed, skin-to-skin contact helps in utilizing this sense for comforting rather than perceiving pain. This is supported by research indicating that newborns respond positively to soft stroking, cuddling, and similar comforting measures. It is also recommended to ensure that all procedural steps, such as specimen labeling and pre-procedural checks, are performed efficiently to minimize the duration of the infant's distress.