Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

Which bone should be avoided during a heel puncture?

1. Tibia

2. Metatarsal

3. Calcaneus

4. Femur

The correct answer is: Calcaneus

During a heel puncture, the calcaneus, which is the heel bone, should be avoided. This is because puncturing the calcaneus can lead to complications such as bone infection, damage to surrounding tissues, and pain for the patient. Heel punctures are typically performed in the most superficial layers of the foot, targeting the soft tissue areas rather than the bone to ensure that the procedure is safe and effective. While the other bones listed may also be relevant in general anatomy, they are less critical in the context of heel puncture procedures. The tibia and femur are located much higher up the leg and are not involved in heel punctures, while the metatarsal bones are situated in the midfoot and not as problematic in terms of the complications associated with heel puncture. Therefore, the calcaneus stands out as the bone that should specifically be avoided to prevent potential adverse outcomes.