Health Promotion and MaintenanceQuestion 2069 of 2368
When should the heel-stick sample for newborn screening be collected?
- At about one week of age, during the first pediatric clinic visit
- Within five days after discharge, at the first follow-up visit
- Ideally within 24 hours, but no later than three days after birth
- Only if the newborn shows signs or symptoms of a metabolic disorder
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Correct answer: Ideally within 24 hours, but no later than three days after birth
Newborns may have no symptoms at birth, so blood is collected from the heel soon after birth.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Healthy Newborn Care: Assessment (Recognize Cues). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Health Promotion and Maintenance"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026