Question

What should be performed before drawing Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) to check for sufficient blood flow?

a) Capillary refill test
b) Allen's test
c) Trendelenburg position
d) Passive leg raising

Answer 1

Before drawing Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), the Allen's test is conducted to ensure there's sufficient blood flow in the radial and ulnar arteries to the hand.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before drawing Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), the Allen's test should be performed to check for sufficient blood flow. The Allen's test is a quick procedure used to evaluate the blood supply to the hand, ensuring that there is adequate blood flow through the radial and ulnar arteries, which is essential before drawing an ABG sample. In the Allen's test, both the ulnar and radial arteries are occluded, and then the hand is observed for signs of adequate blood flow when the pressure on the ulnar artery is released. This helps in preventing ischemic complications following radial artery puncture.