NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareEasy
A medical assistant is performing a capillary puncture on an adult patient. Which of the following fingers is the most appropriate site for this procedure?
- AThumb
- BRing finger
- CIndex finger
- DPinky finger
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Ring finger
For an adult capillary puncture, the ring finger (or middle finger) is the preferred site. It offers sufficient tissue depth, good blood flow, and is less sensitive than the index finger, while avoiding the thumb and pinky due to major arteries/nerves and thin tissue, respectively.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The thumb has a major artery and nerve, making it unsuitable.
- C. The index finger is often more sensitive and calloused, making it less ideal.
- D. The pinky (little) finger has thinner tissue and bone close to the surface, increasing risk of injury.
Adult Capillary Puncture Site
The preferred sites for capillary puncture in adults are the tips of the middle or ring fingers due to adequate tissue depth, good blood flow, and reduced risk of injury to underlying structures.
- Middle or ring finger tips.
- Sufficient tissue depth.
- Good blood supply.
Memory trick: Fingers: Middle & Ring are Best, Avoid Thumb & Pinky's Test.