What is the first step in the blood glucose monitoring procedure for a patient receiving parenteral nutrition?

The first step in the blood glucose monitoring procedure for a patient receiving parenteral nutrition is to assess the area of skin to be used as a puncture site. This step is critical because it ensures that the site is appropriate for the procedure, helping to minimize the risk of infection and ensuring adequate blood flow for accurate results. Following a thorough assessment, the healthcare provider can then choose a suitable site for the fingerstick, enhancing both the safety and effectiveness of the blood sampling process. Selecting an appropriate puncture site contributes to reliable results and is foundational to performing the procedure correctly.

While identifying the patient is also necessary for ensuring safety and preventing errors in patient care, it is not directly related to the procedure of blood glucose monitoring itself, which centers on the blood sampling process. Cleaning the puncture site with an antiseptic solution is indeed an essential step, but it should be done after assessing the site. Reading results and documenting them is a critical part of the process but occurs after the blood sample has been collected.