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Arterial Blood Gas Collection Flashcards

8 cards from real Phlebotomy Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. For an ABG specimen, which anticoagulant is used in the collection syringe?

    Answer: Heparin (liquid or lyophilized)

    Heparin (as liquid sodium heparin or dry/lyophilized heparin) is the anticoagulant used in ABG syringes because it does not affect blood gas values when used in proper amounts.

  2. How should an ABG specimen be transported to the laboratory if analysis will be delayed beyond 30 minutes?

    Answer: In iced slush or ice water to slow cellular metabolism

    ABG specimens must be transported in iced slush/ice water to slow cellular metabolism (O2 consumption and CO2 production) that would otherwise alter blood gas values.

  3. What is the significance of a 'negative Allen test' before radial artery puncture?

    Answer: There is inadequate ulnar collateral circulation; the radial artery should not be punctured

    A negative Allen test means the ulnar artery cannot adequately supply the hand if the radial artery is damaged; proceeding with radial puncture risks hand ischemia.

  4. A phlebotomist notes pulsatile blood flow filling the ABG syringe spontaneously. This indicates:

    Answer: The needle is correctly positioned within the artery

    Spontaneous pulsatile blood flow into the ABG syringe without aspiration confirms correct arterial needle placement, as arterial pressure drives blood into the syringe.

  5. Which of the following patients would have a CONTRAINDICATION to radial artery puncture at a specific site?

    Answer: A patient with a negative Allen test at that wrist

    A negative Allen test at that wrist indicates absent ulnar collateral circulation, making radial artery puncture at that site contraindicated due to risk of hand ischemia.

  6. When preparing a glass ABG syringe with liquid heparin, how should excess heparin be handled?

    Answer: Expel all but a thin film coating the inside of the syringe and needle

    Excess liquid heparin must be expelled, leaving only a thin film; excess heparin dilutes the sample and causes significant errors in PO2, PCO2, and electrolyte measurements.

  7. A phlebotomist accidentally punctures the accompanying vein instead of the radial artery. Which finding would help distinguish a venous from an arterial sample?

    Answer: Sample color and flow characteristics

    Arterial blood is bright red and fills the syringe pulsatilely without aspiration; venous blood is darker and requires plunger aspiration, distinguishing the two specimen types.

  8. Normal arterial blood gas values at sea level breathing room air include which of the following pH ranges?

    Answer: 7.35–7.45

    Normal arterial pH is 7.35–7.45; values below this range indicate acidosis and above indicate alkalosis.