American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

During a skin puncture, why is the incision depth critical for premature infants?

1. To prevent excessive bleeding

2. To ensure accurate sampling

3. To reduce the risk of infection

4. To maintain skin integrity

The correct answer is: To prevent excessive bleeding

The critical nature of incision depth during a skin puncture for premature infants is fundamentally tied to the need to prevent excessive bleeding. Premature infants possess very delicate and thin skin with a vascular structure that is still developing; therefore, if the incision is too deep, it can cause significant bleeding. The vascularity in these infants’ skin is higher compared to older children and adults, and their blood volume is smaller. Therefore, even a small amount of blood loss can lead to serious complications. By carefully controlling the depth of the incision, healthcare providers can take the necessary blood samples while minimizing damage to the underlying tissues and reducing the likelihood of reaching large blood vessels, which could lead to substantial bleeding. In this context, while other options such as accuracy in sampling, risk reduction for infection, and maintenance of skin integrity are also important considerations during skin punctures, they do not address the immediate critical concern of bleeding. Therefore, ensuring that the incision is shallow enough to safely collect blood without causing excessive bleeding is paramount in the care of premature infants.