Lesson 10 - Arterial Blood Collection

Question 1

Fill-in-the-blanks: Arterial blood is rich in ___ and _____, can manage oxygen, electrolytes, and ___-____ balance also known as (pH).

Answer 1

oxygen, electrolytes, acid-base

Question 2

Fill-in-the-blank:
Arterial blood testing includes: ___ level, ___ acid level, and ___arterial ___ gases also known as (ABGs)

Answer 2

Ammonia levels, lactic acid level, and arterial blood gases

Question 3

ABGs measures what 3 levels in the blood

Answer 3

pH levels, oxygen, and carbon dioxide

Question 4

Arterial blood draws or ABGs are necessary for what type of patients?

Answer 4

Critical patients

Question 5

What are the pieces of equipment you need for a arterial puncture?

Answer 5

A 1-5mL, pre-heparinized syringe, analcohol prep pads or iodine for cleansing, gauze, bandages, pressure bandage, water and ice mixture, collection tubes, and a 21-22G needle with a safety device and luer tip

Question 6

For which types of blood test specimens would need to sit in an ice slurry bath after drawing?

Answer 6

Ammonia and lactic acid specimens

Question 7

Which arteries are the most commonly used for blood draws?
A Brachial
B Radial
C Ulnar
D Both A and B

Answer 7

D. Both A and B most mostly B

Question 8

What is the modified Allen test used for?

Answer 8

To determine collateral circulation distal and prior to collection

Question 9

State the 5 modified Allen Test steps

Answer 9

1. Observe so that the drawing sit is not inflamed, irritated, or wounded
2. Locate the pulses of each artery by compressing them and having the patient open and close the fist
3. Positive results are: The palm brings color, then release the ulnar artery, observe color again
4. Negative results are: no color appears after releasing the artery for 5-10 secs
5. If positive results, proceed with drawing

Question 10

What 2 arteries are used for the modified Allen test?

Answer 10

Radial and ulnar

Question 11

What is blanching seen after the patient opens and closes their fist repeatedly?

Answer 11

The area becomes lighter

Question 12

Hemorrhage, arteriospasm, embolism, and thrombosis are all major arterial complications when drawing from an artery.
True or false?

Answer 12

True, all of the above.

Question 13

ABGs can be left out after collection for how long until you will have to put it in the ice slurry?

Answer 13

15-30 minutes

Question 14

What are some reasons for specimens to be rejected by the lab?

Answer 14

-air bubbles in specimen
-inadequate specimen
-use of wrong syringe
-specimen clotting
-too long time between draw & delivery
-improper labeling
-ice slurry not used

Question 15

What is the artery in the groin above the thigh?

Answer 15

Femoral artery

Question 16

Define embolism

Answer 16

An obstruction in a blood vessel.

Question 17

Alternative to arterial blood gases (ABGs).

Answer 17

Capillary blood gases

Question 18

What are the PPE items you MUST put on while performing a arterial puncture?

Answer 18

Gloves, fluid resistant gown, face mask/protection

Question 19

One of the most common reason for post-procedure complications is due to poor patient preparation.
True or flase?

Answer 19

True

Question 20

Why is a specimen for a potassium test not placed in an ice slurry?

Answer 20

The specimen is altered by lower temperatures

Question 21

An ABG is performed after the site is cleaned with an antiseptic using…

Answer 21

Both alcohol and povidone iodine

Question 22

Arterial blood gas specimens can be kept at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
True or false?

Answer 22

True, Arterial blood gases can be kept at room temperature after collection for 15 to 20 minutes; if the specimen is not delivered to the laboratory within that time, it is placed in an ice slurry for up to one hour.

Question 23

When should a capillary arterial blood gas be performed instead of an arterial blood gas?

Answer 23

In an infant