Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 369 of 2368
During a fingerstick, the nurse needs a larger drop of blood for the reagent strip. Which action is correct?
- Gently squeeze above the site to obtain a larger drop
- Milk the finger firmly toward the puncture site
- Massage the fingertip until blood flows freely
- Use the first drop of blood to avoid clotting
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Correct answer: Gently squeeze above the site to obtain a larger drop
Gentle squeezing above the site is acceptable. Milking or massaging adds tissue fluid and can hemolyze the specimen.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Specimen Collection: Glucometer Use. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026