A nurse is assisting with a prenatal class discussion about newborn safety. Which of the following statements by a participant indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A) Incorrect- A 20-gauge needle is too large and could cause unnecessary pain for the newborn.
B) Correct - Choosing a 3/8-inch needle is appropriate for administering vaccines to newborns. he hepatitis B vaccine is given intramuscularly in the anterolateral thigh of newborns. The needle size should be appropriate for the muscle mass and age of the infant. A 3/8-inch needle is recommended for newborns, while a 20-gauge needle is too large and may cause tissue damage.
C) Incorrect- Administering the vaccine into the dorsal gluteal muscle is not recommended because of the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve; the recommended site is the vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral thigh.
D) Incorrect- The hepatitis B vaccine is usually administered in a dose of 0.5 mL for newborns, but this is not the only action that the nurse should take.

Proper procedure for a heel stick includes:

A) Confirming the newborn's identity before any procedure. the nurse should confirm the newborn's identity by checking the identification band and asking the mother or caregiver to verify the name and date of birth.
E) The nurse should warm the newborn's heel by placing a warm compress or a heel warmer on the site for 3 to 5 minutes. This will increase blood flow and reduce pain.
B) Cleansing the site with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. the nurse should cleanse the site with an antiseptic, such as alcohol or chlorhexidine, and let it air dry. The nurse should avoid using iodine, as it can interfere with some laboratory tests.

C) The nurse should pierce the newborn's heel with a sterile lancet, making sure to avoid the central area of the heel, where there are more nerves and bones. The nurse should use a single-use device that retracts automatically after use to prevent needlestick injuries.
D) The nurse should apply gentle pressure to the site with dry gauze to facilitate blood flow and collect the specimen in the appropriate container. The nurse should avoid squeezing or milking the site, as this can cause hemolysis or tissue damage.
E) The nurse should label the specimen with the newborn's name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and type of test. The nurse should also document the procedure in the newborn's chart, noting any difficulties or complications.