Question

The respiratory therapist has obtained a blood gas sample from the patient's radial artery and applied pressure to the site for 10 minutes. After removing any excess air from the syringe, the next step for proper handling of the blood sample is ____________.

1) adding liquid heparin to the sample.
2) placing the syringe in an ice bath.
3) shaking the sample continuously.
4) applying a pressure bandage.

Answer 1

The correct handling of the blood gas sample after removing air is placing it in an ice bath to preserve blood gas values by slowing metabolic processes. Option 2 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a respiratory therapist has obtained a blood gas sample from a patient's radial artery and pressure has been applied to the site, the correct next step for proper handling of the blood sample is to place the syringe in an ice bath.

This step must be taken after any excess air is removed from the syringe and typically before any unnecessary delay.

The ice bath works to slow down metabolic processes in the blood sample, preserving the accuracy of the blood gas values by preventing ongoing cellular respiration, which could otherwise alter the levels of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the sample.

In contrast, adding liquid heparin is done before the blood draw to prevent clotting, shaking the sample could lead to hemolysis, and applying a pressure bandage is for the patient's puncture site after the blood draw is completed.