Final answer:
An appropriate action for preparing a peripheral blood smear is to place a 1 mm drop of blood on the center of the slide. This allows for the creation of a thin film of blood with a single layer of cells, known as the 'feathered edge'.
Step-by-step explanation:
An appropriate action for preparing a peripheral blood smear is to place a 1 mm drop of blood on the center of the slide. This allows for the creation of a thin film of blood with a single layer of cells, known as the 'feathered edge'. The smear can then be observed under a microscope for evaluation of cellular components in the blood.