Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Collection and Analysis

These flashcards cover the electrodes used in blood gas analysis, the procedure for drawing arterial blood, site selection, and sample preservation techniques.

Recalibration

The action required when a machine measures a $P_aO_2$ of $103$ when the actual is $100$, as this is not an acceptable answer.

Clark electrode

The name of the electrode that measures $P_aO_2$ and can also be used to measure $F_iO_2$.

Severinghaus electrode

The name of the electrode that measures $P_aCO_2$, sometimes nicknamed "Slithering House" by students to remember it starts with an 's'.

Radial artery

The ideal site for drawing an ABG, located on the thumb side of the wrist, chosen because it possesses collateral perfusion.

Modified Allen's test

A test used to verify collateral circulation in the hand; involves applying pressure to both the radial and ulnar arteries and then releasing the ulnar side to check for blood return.

Blood thinners

A medication status you must check before drawing an ABG because it causes the patient to bleed longer after the procedure.

Aerosolized heparin

A substance contained within ABG kits to prevent the blood sample from clotting before it can be run.

Hyperextension

The position of the wrist that helps pull the radial artery further to the surface for easier access.

Hematoma

A risk of arterial sticks characterized as a collection of blood underneath the surface of the skin or in the layers of the skin, appearing as a raised bruise.

Arterial dissection

A complication where the tip of the needle slices the artery.

Clean technique

The level of asepsis required for an ABG draw, utilizing regular gloves rather than sterile ones.

Self-filling kits

A type of ABG syringe that uses arterial pressure to push back the plunger on its own; HHC kits are specifically noted as not being this type.

Bevel

The sharp, pointed tip of the needle that must be facing up to ensure the needle is sharp enough to pierce the skin easily.

$45$-degree angle

The specific angle at which the needle should be held, like a pencil, when performing an ABG draw.

Flash

The quick appearance of blood in the hub of the needle that indicates the artery has been successfully entered.

Air bubble effect

Contamination that causes $P_aCO_2$ to falsely decrease, and the $pH$ and $P_aO_2$ to falsely increase due to room air exposure.

Cellular metabolism

The process by which blood cells burn through oxygen and create $CO_2$; this is why samples must be placed on ice if not run within $30$ minutes.

Modified pressure dressing

A tightly applied gauze or two-by-two that stays on the puncture site for an additional $20$ minutes after the initial pressure is held.