Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Why do educators advise patients to obtain blood samples from the side of the finger when self-monitoring?

1. There are more capillaries on the sides of the fingers, making it easier to get a sufficient sample

2. The sides of the fingers have fewer germs than the tips

3. There is less pain when lancing the sides compared to the tips

4. It produces a more accurate blood sample result than alternative sites

The correct answer is: There is less pain when lancing the sides compared to the tips

Educators often recommend obtaining blood samples from the sides of the fingers for self-monitoring because it tends to produce less pain compared to lancing the tips of the fingers. The fingertip area is dense with nerve endings, which can make it more sensitive and painful when pricked for blood samples. In contrast, the sides of the fingers usually have fewer nerve endings, reducing discomfort. This can encourage more frequent and consistent monitoring for patients, as pain is a significant factor that might deter them from testing their blood glucose levels regularly. While other options may touch upon aspects of blood sampling technique, the principal concern in terms of patient's comfort and adherence to monitoring routines is pain reduction. A comfortable testing experience helps patients to manage their diabetes more effectively by encouraging them to check their blood glucose levels with the necessary frequency for optimal control.