Final answer:
When conducting a heel stick, it is critical to warm the heel, clean the site with alcohol, and use the medial or lateral aspect of the heel while avoiding the center of the heel pad to prevent injury. So, the correct answer is option a , b, and c.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a heel stick, there are multiple precautions to ensure the procedure is done safely and effectively. Some key measures include:
- Warming the heel before the procedure to increase blood flow, which makes it easier to obtain a blood sample.
- Cleaning the site with alcohol to prevent infection at the puncture site.
- Using the medial or lateral aspect of the heel for the stick to avoid injury to the bone or nerves, which are more proximal in the center of the heel pad.
- It is important not to perform the stick at the center of the heel pad, to reduce the risk of injury and pain.
These precautions help to minimize discomfort and potential complications when drawing blood from an infant or young child's heel.