Final answer:
The depth of an infant's heel puncture depends on the specific medical procedure, such as a heel stick for newborn screening. Typical depth for a heel stick is around 2.0 mm to 2.4 mm, reaching the capillaries but avoiding significant damage or injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
The depth to which an infant's heel can be punctured depends on the specific medical procedure being performed. One common procedure that involves puncturing an infant's heel is a heel stick, also known as a newborn screening test. In this test, a small puncture is made on the heel to collect a blood sample for testing purposes.
When performing a heel stick, the depth of the puncture is typically shallow, around 2.0 mm to 2.4 mm. This is deep enough to reach the capillaries in the heel and collect an adequate blood sample, but not deep enough to cause significant damage or injury.
It's important to note that puncturing an infant's heel should only be done by a trained healthcare professional to ensure proper technique and minimize any discomfort or harm to the infant.