Phlebotomy Test Arterial Blood Gas Collection 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Heparin (liquid or lyophilized)

Answer

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

Answer

Sodium citrate

Answer

Sodium fluoride

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

In iced slush or ice water to slow cellular metabolism

Answer

At room temperature in a sealed syringe cap

Answer

In a warming block at 37°C to simulate body temperature

Answer

In a biohazard bag without ice at ambient temperature

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The radial artery is too deep to puncture safely

Answer

The ulnar artery is blocked and must be punctured instead

Answer

The test failed and must be repeated

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The needle is correctly positioned within the artery

Answer

Venous blood was accidentally collected instead of arterial

Answer

The patient has abnormally high venous pressure

Answer

The syringe plunger must be pulled to aspirate arterial blood

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A patient with a negative Allen test at that wrist

Answer

A patient with a history of anxiety

Answer

A patient on blood pressure medications

Answer

A patient who prefers not to have blood drawn from the wrist

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Leave the excess heparin in the syringe to ensure adequate anticoagulation

Answer

Remove the heparin and add it after blood is collected

Answer

Use the excess heparin to wet the syringe tip before insertion

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Sample color and flow characteristics

Answer

Patient complaint of pain at the puncture site

Answer

Sample temperature

Answer

The amount of blood collected

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

7.35–7.45

Answer

7.25–7.35

Answer

7.45–7.55

Answer

7.30–7.40