Question

Before an ABG is drawn from the patient's radial artery, what test should be performed?

A. Doppler flow test
B. Allen test
C. Babinski's test
D. A/B Index

Answer 1

The test performed before drawing an ABG from a patient's radial artery is the Allen test, used to assess blood flow adequacy in the hand.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before an arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn from the patient's radial artery, the test that should be performed is the Allen test. This test is used to evaluate the adequacy of blood flow to the hand via the ulnar artery. It ensures that if the radial artery is compromised during the ABG procedure, the ulnar artery can provide sufficient blood flow to prevent ischemic complications in the hand. Performing the Allen test helps to determine the safety of arterial puncture for blood gas analysis.