ARTERIAL BLOOD COLLECTION
Why is a tourniquet not used when collecting arterial blood gases?
Arterial blood is under pressure
The purpose of the Allen test before collection of an arterial blood gas is to:
Assess collateral circulation in the radial artery
Before collection of ABGs, all of the following must be recorded by the phlebotomist,
Flow rate of oxygen therapy, Mode of oxygen therapy, Steady respiratory status
It would be advisable to wear which of the following types of PPE (personal protective equipment) when performing a blood collection procedure during which spraying of blood might be anticipated such as ABG collection?
Gloves, gown, face protection
The following anticoagulants does not alter the pH of the sample collected
Heparin
What is the anticoagulant used in the collection syringe for ABG collection?
Heparin
Equipment used in the collection of arterial blood gases includes commercially prepared syringes that come with all of the following,
Heparin coated syringe, Luer cap for the syringe hub, Safety needle
All of the following statements are true about arterial blood collection and testing,
Is more dangerous than venous blood collection, Requires additional, specialized training, Can be performed by a MLS or MLT
The following arterial puncture sites do not require highly trained personnel such as a physician for specimen collection
Radial artery
The most frequently used artery for arterial blood gas collection is:
Radial artery
A disadvantage of using the brachial artery in an arterial blood gas draw includes all of the following,
Risk of puncturing the median nerve, Difficult to compress, Risk of hematoma or bleeding
Before collection of ABGs, the patient must be in a respiratory steady state. The following defines a respiratory steady state
The patient has received a specified amount of oxygen and refrained from exercise for 20 to 30 minutes
The best choice of needle for a radial arterial blood gas draw is:
22-gauge, 1-inch
An ABG sample transported to the laboratory at room temperature must be analyzed within:
30 minutes
The proper angle of penetration for a radial arterial blood gas draw is:
45°
The physician suspects the diabetic patient may be in metabolic acidosis and orders ABGs to check pH and other blood gas values. The following values represent normal arterial blood pH
7.35 to 7.45
The acceptable angle of insertion for a femoral arterial blood draw is:
90°
Before the collection of capillary blood gas samples, a small metal device is sometimes placed in the heparinized capillary tube to assist with mixing. The device is known as what?
A flea
The following statement is not true about ABGs
ABGs measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood
A low pH indicates which of the following?
Acidosis
Acceptable antiseptic(s) used in performing arterial blood draws is (are)
Alcohol, Chlorhexidine, Alcohol and povidone-iodine
Where is the radial artery located?
Along the thumb side of the wrist
The following types of equipment will not be used during ABG collection
Butterfly closure
A positive Allen test is evidenced when:
Color appears in the hand within 5 to 10 seconds
Examination of the arterial puncture site includes checking the pulse after completion of the draw at a point:
Distal to the site
When performing a radial artery puncture, the bevel of the needle should be:
Facing up and toward the upper arm
The following arteries that are typically used for arterial puncture carries an increased risk of complications from the procedure such as increased risk of infection or dislodging of plaque from arterial walls?
Femoral artery
The following laboratory tests is not routinely performed on arterial blood
Ferritin
The following statements are not true regarding the potential for nerve damage during arterial blood collection
Less likely to occur with arterial puncture, More likely to occur with venipuncture draws, Increase occurs when surface arteries used
All of the following are potential complications of arterial blood collection,
Nerve damage, Thrombosis, Hematoma
An arterial blood specimen would be collected to assess all of the following analytes,
Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Bicarbonate
Assessment of the patient before arterial blood gas collection may include all of the following,
Patient temperature at the time of the draw, Amount of oxygen patient is receiving, Device use to deliver oxygen to patient
Capillary blood gas testing is most commonly performed on what type of patient?
Pediatric patient
When performing capillary blood gas collection, the phlebotomist uses what to close the ends of the capillary collection tube?
Plastic caps
The purpose of sealing the ABG syringe or capillary sample is to:
Prevent air contamination of the sample
You perform an arterial puncture and are unsure if your specimen is arterial. What should you look for to determine the source of your specimen?
Pulsation as blood enters syringe
The formation of a clot within the artery or vein is known as a:
Thrombosis
Why is it important to properly warm the heel for 5 to 10 minutes before collecting capillary blood gases?
To increase arterial blood flow to the area and To make the blood content similar to arterial blood
Why is lidocaine used in collection of ABGs?
To lessen pain
The following transport mechanisms may be required when collecting ABGs
Transported on ice slurry
The following is not a source of error when collecting ABGs
Transporting ABGs in a plastic syringe at room temperature
The following would not cause an ABG specimen to be rejected on receipt to the laboratory
Transporting glass syringe in an ice slurry
The MLS receives an arterial sample on ice and checks the collection time to see if the ABG analysis should be run. The analysis may be run if it is within what time frame from time of draw?
Within 1 hour
