What should the nurse do after obtaining a sample for an arterial blood gas (ABG)?
A)Maintain pressure over the site for 3 to 5 minutes.
B)Check the artery proximal to or above the puncture site.
C)Place the syringe into a plastic bag,and send it to the lab.
D)Apply a cool compress to hematoma formation at the puncture site.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maintain continuous pressure on and proximal to the site for 3 to 5 minutes.Palpate the artery below or distal to the puncture site to determine whether pulse quality has changed,indicating alteration in arterial flow.Place a syringe in a cup of crushed ice.Failure to do this may result in decreased pH,arterial oxygen pressure (PaO?),and oxygen saturation.Apply warm compresses to enhance the absorption of blood.

What Should the Nurse Do After Obtaining a Sample for an Arterial