Question

During chart review prior to obtaining an ABG sample, the respiratory therapist notes that the patient has a platelet count of 115,000/mm³. Based on this finding, What should the therapist do?

1) Perform ABG as normal.
2) Refuse to perform the ABG.
3) Hold pressure on the puncture site for a longer time after sample is collected.
4) Recommend that an ABG should be performed on the patient only if absolutely necessary.

Answer 1

With a platelet count of 115,000/mm³, which is lower than the normal range, the respiratory therapist should proceed with the ABG, but must hold pressure on the puncture site longer after the sample is collected to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The respiratory therapist should consider the patient's low platelet count before proceeding with the arterial blood gas (ABG) test. While a normal platelet count ranges between 150,000 to 450,000/mm³, a count of 115,000/mm³ is lower than normal and may indicate a higher risk of bleeding. However, it is not so low as to contraindicate an ABG outright unless other risk factors are present.

In this case, the therapist should opt to hold pressure on the puncture site for a longer time after the sample is collected to mitigate the risk of bleeding due to the patient's thrombocytopenia. The extended pressure will help ensure that any potential bleeding is minimized. Additionally, if the ABG is not critical for patient management, the therapist should recommend that an ABG should be performed on the patient only if necessary, considering the risks and benefits of the procedure.