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What area of the foot are recommended for dermal puncture?

User Isammoc
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

The recommended area for a dermal puncture on the foot is the lateral portion of the heel or plantar surface of the big toe, avoiding dorsal venous arch and plantar arteries to reduce the risk of complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a dermal puncture, the recommended areas of the foot are the lateral portions of the heel or the plantar surface of the big toe in infants or young children. In adults, the distal segments of fingers (preferably the ring or middle fingers) are more commonly used. These areas are chosen because they are less likely to contain large blood vessels, minimizing the risk of hitting a vein or artery. The plantar surface of the heel is preferred in infants due to the relative thickness of the skin and the low risk of damaging bone or tissue that is still developing. This vascular area is highly accessible and generally provides a sufficient sample of blood for diagnostic purposes while displaying a lower risk of complications. It is important to avoid the arch of the foot where the dorsal venous arch and plantar arteries are located since puncturing these can lead to complications. A dermal circulation diagram could help visualize the areas to avoid based on the presence of these vascular structures.

User Louie Almeda
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5 votes

Final answer:

The area of the foot are recommended for dermal puncture is the heel.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes to dermal puncture, the recommended area of the foot is the heel. The heel is a common site for dermal puncture in infants and young children. This is because the skin on the heel is thin and has good blood flow, making it easier to obtain a blood sample. The heel also has less nerve endings compared to other areas of the foot, which can help reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure.

During a dermal puncture, a small lancet is used to make a tiny incision in the skin of the heel. This allows for the collection of a small amount of blood for testing purposes. After the procedure, a bandage is typically applied to the puncture site to promote healing. Therefore the heel is the recommended area of the foot for dermal puncture because it has thin skin with good blood flow. This reduces pain and discomfort during the procedure.

User Harsha Kakumanu
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