Final answer:
To screen a newborn for PKU, the phlebotomist should collect capillary blood drops on a filter paper card. One drop of the patient sample should be placed inside the circle on the card, and one drop of the reagent should be added next to it.
Step-by-step explanation:
When collecting capillary blood drops on a filter paper card to screen a newborn for PKU, the phlebotomist should take the following action:
- Place one drop of the patient sample inside the circle on the card.
- Shake the reagent bottle and add one drop of the reagent next to the drop of patient sample.
This process allows for the analysis of the blood sample for phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a metabolic disorder that affects the breakdown of the amino acid phenylalanine.