Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

- measures the acidity (pH) and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. This test is used to check how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

- Drawn from artery- radial, brachial, femoral Purpose: assess respiratory status assess the acid:base status obtain blood for chemical, hematologic analysis or blood culture (though venous blood generally preferred) Indication: Assess the ventilatory status, oxygenation and acid base status Contraindications: Bleeding diathesis(bleeding tendency) AV fistula Severe peripheral vascular disease, absence of an arterial pulse Infection over site

Complications: The most common complication from an arterial puncture is hematoma at the site. Less common but important complications are thrombus in the artery and infection at the site. Preparation: - Assess the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries -Materials Needed: Gloves Heparinized arterial blood gas syringe kit Alcohol swabs 2X2 gauze Micropore

Procedure: Put on gloves Cleanse the radial area with a alcohol Position the wrist Palpate the arterial pulse and visualize the course of the artery Line the needle up with the artery, bevel side up

Enter the artery and allow the syringe to fill spontaneously Withdraw the needle and hold pressure on the site Protect needle Remove any air bubbles Gently mix the specimen by rolling it between your palms Place the specimen on ice and transport to lab immediately.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/13376583/Arterial-Blood-Gas-Procedure-Power-Point http://www.webmd.com/lung/arterial-blood-gases