Four steps to interpreting arterial blood gases.

This article examines acid-base balance and the interpretation of arterial blood gases (ABG). The article begins with a brief revision of related physiology, followed by a description of the primary disorders associated with acid-base imbalance. The normal ranges and the significance of abnormal ABG results are explored. The article concludes by providing an easy to follow four-step guide to ABG interpretation with practice examples presented in the CPD task section.

Reducing pain associated with arterial punctures for blood gas analysis.

Arterial punctures for arterial blood gases (ABGs) analysis are described as the most painful laboratory procedure and are performed without the benefit of pain management. This study originated from one nurse's concern about the level of pain her hospitalized patients endured when she drew their ABGs. A review of the literature found that ABG pain relief has not been studied in hospitalized patients. Therefore, this study explored the question "Can the pain of arterial blood gas draws be reduced through the use of infiltration with a local anesthetic agent?" This study compared the pain scores of 40 hospitalized patients who received either no intervention or one of three analgesic interventions (infiltration of 0.7 ml 1% lidocaine, 0.7 ml buffered 1% lidocaine, or 0.7 ml of bacteriostatic saline at the arterial puncture site). Results showed that, although lidocaine and buffered lidocaine are effective in reducing the pain associated with the arterial puncture, plain lidocaine was the only intervention in which the pain rating score for the overall experience was significantly diminished. This study is limited by partial randomization, small sample size, and patient duress; however, it provides a foundation for further nursing research that explores methods to reduce the pain associated with this very painful procedure. Future studies should be directed at larger, diverse populations, multiple operators, and comparison of interventions to topical analgesics and nonpharmacological measures.

Coarctation of the aorta: a case presentation.

Coarctation is a constriction or narrowing of the aorta and presents most commonly within the first two weeks of life. This article reviews a case study of an infant diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta on day 8 of life. It includes an overview of the etiology, clinical presentation, and management plus an account of the infant's transport to a regional pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Demonstrating the effectiveness of an online, computer-based learning module for arterial blood gas analysis.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of a computer-based learning module specific to arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation. DESIGN: A pretest and posttest design was used to assess staff nurses' ability to interpret ABGs before and after engaging in a computer-based module. SETTING: Two community hospitals in northern Illinois. SAMPLE: Fifty-eight staff nurses completed the online learning module and the pretest and posttest measures. METHODS: Subjects consented to participate and completed a pretest measure of their knowledge of ABG interpretation. Subjects participated in a computer-based learning module on ABG interpretation and then completed a posttest. FINDINGS: Staff nurses' knowledge increased significantly after viewing the computer-based learning module (t = 6.3; P < .001). This improvement was irrespective of experience or department. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Computer-based, online learning has emerged as a means of providing continuing education to nurses. Such a teaching strategy helps to overcome barriers pertinent to traditional classroom settings.

Arterial blood gas analysis. 2: compensatory mechanisms.

This is the second of a two-part unit discussing arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. Part 1 outlined background information on ABG reports and focused on a systematic approach to ABG analysis. This part examines the physiology of the various lines of defence in the body and explores the concept of compensation. A step-by-step guide to interpretation and examples of uncomplicated ABGs are available in the Portfolio Pages for this unit at nursingtimes.net, as well as further practice examples relevant to this part of the unit.

Nurse-led arterial blood gas sampling for patients.

Following the introduction of new guidelines in February 2006, assessments for long-term oxygen therapy are now being undertaken by respiratory nurse specialists. The key skill required is arterial blood gas sampling. This has traditionally been the role of the doctor, however by using an education and training package along with a competency-based assessment, nurses can now perform this extended role. Sarah Dodds and Graham Williamson describe a competency-based education and training programme for nurses to carry out this procedure.

Guide to regulation of blood gases: part two.

Liz Allibone and Nicola Nation describe how arterial blood gas results can be analysed and how this assists in the diagnosis and management of illness.

Correcting arterial blood gases for temperature: (when) is it clinically significant?

Interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs) is a common practice in intensive care units. The use of the temperature correction facility, however, is not standardized, and the effects of temperature correction on the ABG result may affect the overall management of the patient. The aim of this study was to discuss the significance of temperature correction. Current practice in the UK and Australia is discussed along with a review of physiological principles of oxygenation and acid-base balance. The alpha-stat and pH-stat methods of blood gas analysis are presented, with arguments for and against using the temperature correction facility for blood gas analysis. The study concludes with recommendations for practice.

From Aldrete to PADSS: Reviewing discharge criteria after ambulatory surgery.

Nurses working in perianesthesia care areas use discharge scoring criteria to complete patient assessments and ensure patient readiness for discharge or transfer to the next phase of recovery. However, all discharge criteria have both advantages and disadvantages. Comparative studies on the reliability of the different discharge criteria in use are extremely limited. As the acuity of our aging population increases, as well as the number of annual surgeries performed on an outpatient basis, it is most timely to ensure that we are following evidence-based discharge criteria.

The management of in vitro diagnostic point-of-care testing.

In vitro diagnostic point-of-care testing (IVDPCT) can improve patient care but improvements can only be properly realised by adequate management in order to ensure high-quality test results. Nurses perform IVDPCT in all areas of clinical practice, from intensive care units to GP surgeries, using a wide variety of devices ranging from urinalysis strips to blood gas analysers.