ABG

Where to do ABG?

-Radial, Brachial, Femoral, Dorsalis pedis, umbilical artery

Most common: Radial

Emergencies: Femoral

Alternate names

Uncompensated (acute)

Partially compensated (acute)

Fully compensated (Chronic)

Fully compensated respiratory acidosis AKA Chronic ventilatory failure

Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis/Partially compensated alkalosis AKA Acute alveolar hyperventilation

Uncompensated/partially compensated acidosis AKA Acute ventilatory failure

Indications

-Evaluate Oxygenation status

-Evaluate ventilation status (PaCO2)

-Monitor progression of disease

-Evaluate acid base balance

Contraindications

-Negative Allen’s test

-Anticoagulant therapy

-surgical shunting (post opposite side)

-Post mastectomy (draw opposite side)

Complications

-Vessels spasm

-Embolism, thrombus

-Loss of blood

-nerve damage

-hematoma

-anaphylactic reactions

Allen’s test- used to check for collateral circulation