NUR 106 QUIZ: OBTAINING A
CAPILLARY BLOOD SAMPLE FOR
GLUCOSE TESTING CHAPTER 18
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WELL
ELABORATED
Question: The nurse encounters difficulty obtaining a large enough blood droplet
for a capillary blood sample during glucose testing. Which action does the nurse
take next?
A. Use a different finger and a new lancet for the sample.
B. Lower the hand below heart level and stroke the finger.
C. Squeeze the fingertip directly at the puncture site to force the droplet.
D. Ask the client if they have trouble at home with fingersticks.
Answer: ✔✔ Lower the hand below heart level and stroke the finger.
Clinical Rationale: Lowering the hand relies on gravity to increase blood flow to
the distal extremities. Gently massaging/stroking the finger from the palm toward
the fingertip encourages capillary refill without causing tissue trauma or diluting
the sample.
Question: The nurse is administering a point-of-care glucose test on a client and
has lanceted the finger. Where should the nurse instruct the client to keep their
hand to encourage optimal blood flow?
A. Above the level of the heart
B. Below the level of the heart
C. Straight out to the side
D. In a fist, held straight down
Answer: ✔✔ Below the level of the heart
Clinical Rationale: Holding the site dependent (below heart level) increases
venous pressure and blood pooling in the fingers, making it easier to express an
adequate blood drop.
Key Clinical Rules for Capillary Blood Glucose Testing
Avoid Squeezing (Milking): Squeezing directly at or around the puncture
site forces tissue fluid (interstitial fluid) into the specimen, which dilutes the
blood sample and causes falsely low glucose readings.
Wipe Away First Drop: Always wipe away the first droplet of blood with a
dry gauze pad because it contains skin cells and tissue fluid that can alter
results.
CAPILLARY BLOOD SAMPLE FOR
GLUCOSE TESTING CHAPTER 18
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WELL
ELABORATED
Question: The nurse encounters difficulty obtaining a large enough blood droplet
for a capillary blood sample during glucose testing. Which action does the nurse
take next?
A. Use a different finger and a new lancet for the sample.
B. Lower the hand below heart level and stroke the finger.
C. Squeeze the fingertip directly at the puncture site to force the droplet.
D. Ask the client if they have trouble at home with fingersticks.
Answer: ✔✔ Lower the hand below heart level and stroke the finger.
Clinical Rationale: Lowering the hand relies on gravity to increase blood flow to
the distal extremities. Gently massaging/stroking the finger from the palm toward
the fingertip encourages capillary refill without causing tissue trauma or diluting
the sample.
Question: The nurse is administering a point-of-care glucose test on a client and
has lanceted the finger. Where should the nurse instruct the client to keep their
hand to encourage optimal blood flow?
A. Above the level of the heart
B. Below the level of the heart
C. Straight out to the side
D. In a fist, held straight down
Answer: ✔✔ Below the level of the heart
Clinical Rationale: Holding the site dependent (below heart level) increases
venous pressure and blood pooling in the fingers, making it easier to express an
adequate blood drop.
Key Clinical Rules for Capillary Blood Glucose Testing
Avoid Squeezing (Milking): Squeezing directly at or around the puncture
site forces tissue fluid (interstitial fluid) into the specimen, which dilutes the
blood sample and causes falsely low glucose readings.
Wipe Away First Drop: Always wipe away the first droplet of blood with a
dry gauze pad because it contains skin cells and tissue fluid that can alter
results.
