Final answer:
To improve blood flow from a lancet poke, warming the hands, massaging from the base towards the tip of the finger or arm, lowering the hand below the heart, relaxing the area, or trying a second poke with a new lancet may help.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the event that blood is not flowing freely from a lancet poke, a few techniques can be employed to encourage blood flow. It is important to ensure that the hands are warm before the poke, as cold can cause blood vessels to constrict, thus impeding flow. If blood flow is still not adequate after the lancet poke, the patient can try gently massaging the area from the base of the finger towards the tip or arm towards the poke site to promote blood movement. Another approach is to lower the hand below the level of the heart to take advantage of gravity in aiding blood flow. It's also advisable to ensure that the patient's arm or finger is relaxed and not tensed, as this can restrict blood flow. If these measures fail and blood flow is still insufficient, it may be necessary to clean the area and try a second, properly-aligned poke. However, it's crucial to follow proper sterile techniques and use a new lancet for any additional attempts.