ARTERIAL BLOOD GASES: PERFORMING ARTERIAL PUNCTURE IN THE ADULT PATIENT

Course overview

Performing an arterial puncture in the adult patient for blood gas analysis involves a percutaneous puncture. The sites most commonly accessed for percutaneous puncture in adults are, in descending order, the radial, brachial, femoral, and axillary arteries. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of performing arterial puncture in the adult patient for ABGs in order to better care for patients undergoing this procedure. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.