Question

Lab test measured to determine the effectiveness of gas exchange.

a) The blood sample is usually taken from the ___ ___ in the wrist by a respiratory therapist (RT).
b) This can be painful for the patient. Place pressure on the site for __ minutes after the test to prevent bleeding.
A) Radial artery / 5
B) Brachial artery / 10
C) Femoral artery / 15
D) Carotid artery / 20

Answer 1

To evaluate gas exchange effectiveness, a blood sample is taken from the radial artery and pressure should be applied to the site for 5 minutes afterwards.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effectiveness of gas exchange in the lungs can be determined by taking a blood sample to measure blood gas levels. For this procedure, a respiratory therapist (RT) will usually draw blood from the radial artery in the wrist. As the procedure can be painful for the patient, it is standard practice to apply pressure to the puncture site for a certain amount of time after the blood draw to prevent bleeding and facilitate clotting. According to the options provided, the correct answer is: A) Radial artery / 5. This means that after the arterial blood gas (ABG) test is performed, pressure should be applied to the site for 5 minutes in order to prevent bleeding.