Chapter 14

Question 1

The primary reason for performing arterial puncture is to

A: determine hemoglobin levels
B: evaluate blood gasses
C: measure potassium levels
D: obtain calcium levels

Answer 1

B: evaluate blood gasses

Question 2

The first-choice location for performing arterial puncture is the:

A: Brachial artery
B: ulnar artery
C: femoral artery
D: radial artery

Answer 2

D: radial artery

Question 3

ABG supplies include:

A: 18-guage needles
B: heparinized syringes
C: tourniquet
D: all of the above

Answer 3

B: hepinarized syringes

Question 4

Commonly measured ABG parameters include:

A: pH
B: PaCO2
C: O2 saturation
D: all of the above

Answer 4

D: all of the above

Question 5

A phleb has a request to collect an ABG specimen while the patient is breathing room air. When the phleb arrives to collect the specimen, the patient is still on a ventilator. What should the phleb do?

A: call the phleb supervisor, and ask how to proceed
B: consult with the patients nurse to determine what to do
C: draw the ABG and note the oxygen setting on request
D: take the patient off the ventilator and draw the specimen

Answer 5

B: consult with the patients nurse to determine what to do.

Question 6

The purpose of the modified Allen test is to determine..

A: blood pressure in the ulnar artery
B: if collateral circulation is present
C: if the patient is absorbing oxygen
D: the clotting time of both arteries

Answer 6

B: if collateral circulation is present

Question 7

Which of the following is an acceptable angle of needle insertion for radial ABGs?

A: 10°
B: 20°
C: 45°
D: 90°

Answer 7

C: 45°

Question 8

Which of the following complications are associated with arterial puncture?

A: ateriospasm
B: hematoma
C: infection
D: all of the above

Answer 8

D: all of the above

Question 9

Which of the following can cause erroneous ABG values?

A: the presence of air bubbles in the specimen
B: delay in analysis exceeding 30 minutes
C: inadequate mixing results in microclots
D: all of the above

Answer 9

D: all of the above

Question 10

Which of the following would cause you to suspect that a thrombus had formed in the artery while you were collecting an ABG?

A: A hematoma quickly forms at the site
B: the patient complains of extreme pain
C: the pulse distal to the site is very weak
D: all of the above

Answer 10

C: the pulse distal to the site is very weak

Question 11

The best way ti tell that a specimen is arterial is the blood:

A: has a lot of air bubbles
B: looks bright red in color
C: need to be aspirated
D: pulses into the syringe

Answer 11

D: pulses into the syringe

Question 12

The term for a reflex contraction of an artery is

A: arteriospasm
B: hypovolemia
C: transitory thrombus
D: vasovagal response

Answer 12

A: arteriospasm

Question 13

Heparin is used in arterial sample collection to:

A: increase blood flow in the area
B: numb the area around the site
C: prevent clotting of the specimen
D: stabilize the oxygen content

Answer 13

C: prevent clotting of the specimen

Question 14

Prior to ABG collection, a patient should have been in a steady state for at least:

A: 5 to 10 min
B: 10 to 15 min
C: 15 to 20 min
D: 20 to 30 min

Answer 14

D: 20 to 30 min

Question 15

When performing the modified Allen test, which artery is released first?

A: Brachial
B: Femoral
C: Radial
D: Ulnar

Answer 15

D: Ulnar