Sample interview questions: How do you handle patients who are in need of emergency arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling?
Sample answer:
Protocols for Handling Patients Requiring Emergency Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Sampling
Step 1: Assessment
- Determine the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and risk factors for arterial insufficiency.
- Assess the patient’s vital signs, skin color, and capillary refill time to identify any signs of circulatory impairment.
Step 2: Informed Consent
- Obtain informed consent from the patient, explaining the procedure, its purpose, and potential risks.
Step 3: Site Selection
- Choose an appropriate arterial puncture site, typically the radial or femoral artery, based on the patient’s anatomy and underlying conditions.
- Consider using a Doppler ultrasound to locate the artery and minimize the risk of complications.
Step 4: Preparation
- Gather necessary equipment, including a sterile ABG syringe, heparinized syringe, alcohol swabs, sterile gauze, and dressing materials.
- Position the patient comfortably and ensure access to the selected artery.
Step 5: Arterial Puncture
- Perform the arterial puncture using a sterile technique, inserting the needle at a 30-45 degree angle to the skin surface.
- Aspirate the arterial blood into the ABG syringe until it fills to the appropriate m… Read full answer
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