When reinforcing teaching about glucose monitoring with the parents of a child with type 1 diabetes, which instruction should the nurse include?

When reinforcing teaching about glucose monitoring with the parents of a child with type 1 diabetes, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Apply ice to the finger before puncture
• B. Puncture the finger with a lancet every hour
• C. Warm finger under running water prior to collecting blood
• D. Test blood glucose only at night

Answer: (C)

Warming the finger before the puncture increases local blood flow, making it easier to obtain a sufficient blood drop for the glucose test and often reducing the discomfort because less squeezing is needed. Teach parents to wash hands, then warm the finger under lukewarm running water for about 1–2 minutes or rub the hands together to warm before lancing. Use the side of the fingertip for puncture and a fresh lancet. Avoid ice on the finger since cold constricts blood vessels, and don’t puncture every hour or test only at night, as regular monitoring throughout the day is needed for effective diabetes management.

Warming the finger before the puncture increases local blood flow, making it easier to obtain a sufficient blood drop for the glucose test and often reducing the discomfort because less squeezing is needed. Teach parents to wash hands, then warm the finger under lukewarm running water for about 1–2 minutes or rub the hands together to warm before lancing. Use the side of the fingertip for puncture and a fresh lancet. Avoid ice on the finger since cold constricts blood vessels, and don’t puncture every hour or test only at night, as regular monitoring throughout the day is needed for effective diabetes management.