Please try to answer each question. You will be provided with the correct answer. The rationale for each step will then become evident.

  1. If there is too much heparin in the syringe, which of the following measures do you think will be altered?
    A. pH
    B. CO2
    C. Oxygen
    D. All of the above
    E. None of the above

  2. What size needle do you think is the best for an arterial puncture?
    A. 16
    B. 18
    C. 22
    D. 25

  3. What do you think is the ideal amount of blood required for arterial blood gases?
    A. 1 cc
    B. 3 cc
    C. 5 cc
    D. 10 cc

  4. Air bubbles will interfere with the final blood gas results. Which of the following measurements do you think is affected by air bubbles in the syringe?
    A. Oxygen
    B. CO2
    C. Both

  5. Why should the syringe be placed in ice?
    A. The chilled specimen is necessary to run tests.
    B. Chilling prevents clotting of blood.
    C. Chilling stops the metabolism of cells.

  6. For proper interpretation of blood gases you need to know:
    A. FIO2 at the time of arterial puncture.
    B. Temperature of the patient.
    C. Clinical information.
    D. All of the above.
    E. None of the above.

  7. Do you know of any contraindications for an arterial puncture? Which of the following is a contraindication for an arterial puncture?
    A. Platelet count of 10,000/cmm
    B. Hgb of 3 grams
    C. Patient in shock
    D. Acute myocardial infarction.
    E. None of the above.

  8. You are drawing arterial blood gases on a patient and the blood is very dark. The issue then is, is it venous?
    A. It is venous blood.
    B. Results of blood gases will help guide you in determining whether it is arterial or venous blood.
    C. If the syringe fills by itself, you have to assume it is arterial blood.

  9. In adults the radial, brachial and femoral are the three vessels usually considered for an arterial puncture. The radial artery is the best site for an arterial puncture. Can you think of the reasons why?
    A. Superficial
    B. Easily compressible
    C. No nearby nerve
    D. All of the above
    E. None of the above

 


achandr@lumc.edu
Last Updated: Jan 30 2001
Created: April 24, 1996