The information given here supplements that given in Chapters 2 and 3. Users of these guidelines should read Chapters 2 and 3 before reading the information given below. This chapter covers background information (Section 5.1), practical guidance (Section 5.2) and illustrations (Section 5.3) relevant to arterial blood sampling. Show
5.1. Background information on arterial blood samplingAn arterial blood sample is collected from an artery, primarily to determine arterial blood gases. Arterial blood sampling should only be performed by health workers for whom the procedure is in the legal scope of practice for their position in their country and who have demonstrated proficiency after formal training. The sample can be obtained either through a catheter placed in an artery, or by using a needle and syringe to puncture an artery. These syringes are pre-heparinized and handled to minimize air exposure that will alter the blood gas values. This chapter describes only the procedure for a radial artery blood draw. 5.1.1. Choice of siteSeveral different arteries can be used for blood collection. The first choice is the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the wrist; because of its small size, use of this artery requires extensive skill in arterial blood sampling. Alternative sites for access are brachial or femoral arteries, but these have several disadvantages in that they:
5.1.2. Complications related to arterial blood samplingThere are several potential complications related to arterial blood sampling. The points below list some of the complications related to the procedure, and how they can be prevented (59).
5.1.3. Sampling errorsInappropriate collection and handling of arterial blood specimens can produce incorrect results. Reasons for an inaccurate blood result include:
5.2. Practical guidance on arterial blood sampling5.2.1. Equipment and suppliesAssemble the relevant items described in Section 2.2.3, plus the following specimen collection equipment and supplies:
5.2.2. Procedure for arterial blood sampling using radial arteryFor sampling from the radial artery using a needle and syringe, follow the steps outlined below.
5.3. Illustrations for arterial blood samplingFigure 5.1Arterial blood samplingWhich of the following instructions should a medical assistant give to a patient regarding a transdermal patch?Which of the following instructions should a medical assistant provide regarding transdermal patch use and care? Make sure to rotate patch placement to avoid skin irritation.
Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use for the routine cleaning of EKG?Which of the following techniques should a medical assistant use for a routine cleaning of an EKG table? The proper technique to use when cleaning EKG tables is disinfection. Disinfection is effective on surfaces that come into contact with microorganisms and will not damage EKG tables.
Which of the following should a medical assistant identify as the purpose of a Category 2 code in the procedural coding?The Category 2 CPT medical code set consists of the supplementary tracking codes that are used for performance measures and are intended to help collect information about the quality of care delivered.
Which one of the following terms should a medical assistant use to tell a provider that a patient is having discomfort and difficulty breathing?Which of the following terms should a medical assistant use to tell a provider that a patient that a patient is having discomfort and difficulty breathing? Dyspnea is a term used to indicate that a patient is experiencing difficult or painful breathing.
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