CLINICAL SKILLS - ABG

Question 1

Introductions

Answer 1

Hello my name is Anjali Singh and I am a third year medical student.

Please can i confirm your name, age and DOB?

Nice to meet you - today I have been asked to do an ABG.

This is a procedure where I will take a blood sample from a blood vessel in your wrist. This will involve me inserting a small needle into your wrist.

I am afraid it can be quite painful but I will try to make it as comfortable as possible - is that ok?

Please can you roll your sleeves up for. The examiner will be acting as a chaperone for this procedure if that is ok.

wash hands

Question 2

What do you do before you start the procedure?

Answer 2

Before I start the procedure I am going to carry out Allen’s test which a test that tests your blood supply to your hand - is that ok?

Question 3

Allens test (5)

Answer 3

1. raise patients hand and put in fist
2. occlude ulnar and radial artery
3. keep it there for 20 secs
4. ask patient to straighten out their hand
5. release the ulnar artery
6. should have collateral blood supply

Question 4

Procedure (13)

Answer 4

1. wash hands
2. feel for radial artery
3. once felt sterilise site
4. prepare equipment
5. put gloves on
6. put sterile field on arm
7. push out air and push heparin to top
8. insert needle into arm with finger either side of the radial artery
9. obtain sample to 2ml
10. remove needle and put cap on top
11. push blood to top
12. take to ABG machine
13. apply firm pressure on arm for 5 mins

Question 5

What do you need to do the sample before you send it off for analysis? (6)

Answer 5

label with:

1. patients name
2. dob
3. time
4. date
5. inspire O2
6. temp