Blood Sampling from an Arterial Catheter
PREREQUISITE NURSING KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of aseptic and sterile technique is necessary.
• Knowledge of the vascular anatomy and physiology is needed.
• Understanding of gas exchange and acid-base balance is necessary.
• Technique for specimen collection and labeling should be understood.
• Principles of hemodynamic monitoring are necessary.
• Knowledge about the care of patients with arterial catheters (see Procedure 62) and stopcock manipulation (see Procedure 76) is needed.
• Understanding of the closed arterial line blood sampling system is necessary.
• Closed blood sampling systems provide the opportunity to reinfuse the blood to the patient after the laboratory sample is obtained to help reduce the risk of nosocomial anemia.3,7,10,14,15
EQUIPMENT
• Appropriate blood specimen tubes (or arterial blood gas [ABG] kit)
• Labels with the patient’s name and appropriate identifying data
• Laboratory form and specimen labels
• Goggles or fluid shield face mask
• Needleless blood sampling access device
• Extra blood specimen tube (for discard)
Rationale: Teaching provides information and may reduce anxiety and fear.
Rationale: This explanation encourages patient cooperation during blood withdrawal.PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND PREPARATION
Rationale: This ensures a functional arterial catheter.
Rationale: This assessment provides data for comparison.Patient Preparation
• Verify correct patient with two identifiers. 
Rationale: Prior to performing a procedure, the nurse should ensure the correct identification of the patient for the intended intervention.
• Ensure that the patient and family understand preprocedural teaching. Answer questions as they arise, and reinforce information as needed. 
Rationale: Understanding of previously taught information is evaluated and reinforced.
• Expose the stopcock to be used for blood sampling, and position the patient’s extremity so that the site can easily be accessed. 
Rationale: This prepares the site for blood withdrawal.
References
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