When performing a capillary puncture, the nurse should
a. hold the lancet at a 45 degree angle to the skin
b. puncture the skin 5 mm deep
c. wipe off the first drop of blood with a sterile gauze
d. apply heat to the puncture site
C
The lancet should be held at a 90 degree angle to the skin. The skin should be punctured approximately 2 cm in depth. Heat should not be applied to the puncture site. Once blood appears at the puncture site, the first drop of blood should be wiped off with a piece of sterile gauze.
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