ABG Flashcards
First thing you do?
Wash your hands
3 I’s
Introduction, identify, informed consent
4 ABSOLUTE contraindications of ABG
Poor collateral circulation
Peripheral vascular disease in that limb
Cellulitis around injection site
AV fistula
1 RELATIVE contraindication of ABG
Impaired coagulation
Explain the purpose of the procedure
To assess the oxygen levels in your circulation
4 risks of ABG
bleeding
bruising
infection
permanent damage to the artery
What test do you perform before an ABG?
Allen’s test
Check for the ulnar perfusion of the hand
Equipment for ABG
Sharps bin, apron and gloves (and hand gel nearby)
Kidney dish/other receptacle
ABG needle, wipes, gauze, tape
How should the hand be positioned?
Wrist extended 20-30 degrees
How would you prepare the arm?
6 steps
1) Position arm with wrist extended
2) Prepare the equipment in aseptic way
3) Palpate artery (along its course)
4) Clean site (30 seconds and 30 seconds dry)
5) Wash hands, don gloves and apron
6) Expel heparin from needle and pull back plunger to 1
Where do you palpate when performing ABG?
when the needle is going in
1cm PROXIMAL
How do you know when you’re in the artery?
Pulsatile filling of the syringe
What do you do when the syringe has enough blood?
5 steps
1) Prepare gauze over site of injection
2) Remove needle
3) Apply firm pressure to site of injection
4) SAFELY remove needle from syringe (engaging the pink plastic guard bit)
5) Place cap on syringe and label sample
How long should pressure be applied after the removal of the needle?
3-5 minutes
You can ask the patient or a colleague to help
To complete the procedure you would?
5 steps
1) Dress the puncture site
2) Thank the patient (it hurts a lot)
3) Dispose of everything correctly
4) Wash hands
5) Run like hell to get that sample analysed
