Which cleaning solution is proper for preparing an arterial puncture site?

• A. Lidocaine
• B. Sodium hypochlorite
• C. Heparin
• D. Isopropyl alcohol

Answer: (D)

Preparing the arterial puncture site requires a skin antiseptic that lowers surface bacteria quickly and effectively without leaving harmful residue. Isopropyl alcohol fits this role well: it antiseptically reduces skin microbes and dries rapidly, helping minimize contamination as the needle enters the artery. The other substances don’t serve this purpose—lidocaine is a local anesthetic and doesn’t disinfect, sodium hypochlorite is bleach that can irritate or injure the skin, and heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent clotting, not for cleaning.