A nurse knows that which syringe is used for ABG sampling?

Appeared in: NORCET 6 mains-2024

Explanation

Arterial blood has a high pressure and oxygen content, which causes it to clot rapidly when exposed to air.
To obtain an accurate Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis, the blood sample must remain in a liquid state.
A heparinised syringe is pre-treated with heparin, an anticoagulant, which prevents the formation of blood clots within the sample.
This ensures the sample is viable for the ABG analyzer, which measures critical parameters like pH, pCO2, and pO2.

Option B: A tuberculin syringe is designed for administering very small, precise volumes of medication (up to 1 mL), not for blood collection. It does not contain an anticoagulant.
Option C: An Acepto syringe is a brand name for a bulb syringe. It is used for irrigation (e.g., cleaning wounds, ears) or for gentle suction/aspiration, not for drawing blood via venipuncture or arterial puncture.
Option D: This option is incorrect because only the heparinised syringe is appropriate for ABG sampling. The other two options have entirely different clinical uses.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Equipment for Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Sampling helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Using the correct equipment for any procedure is fundamental to patient safety and diagnostic accuracy. An incorrect sample requires a repeat procedure, causing unnecessary pain and anxiety for the patient.
An ABG sample that clots in transit is unusable. This delays critical diagnostic information, which can be life-threatening in patients with respiratory failure or severe acid-base disturbances.
Nurses are responsible for the integrity of the sample from collection to analysis. This includes not only using the right syringe but also expelling air bubbles and ensuring proper transport (on ice if delayed).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key procedure in the question: 'ABG sampling'.
Recall the essential requirements for this specific blood draw. Arterial blood is under high pressure and clots quickly.
Deduce the critical feature needed for the collection device: it must prevent clotting. This means it needs an anticoagulant.
Examine the options. 'Heparinised syringe' explicitly states it contains heparin, a well-known anticoagulant.
Evaluate the other options based on your nursing knowledge. A 'Tuberculin syringe' is for small injections, and an 'Acepto syringe' is for irrigation.
Conclude that only the heparinised syringe meets the necessary criteria for an ABG sample.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 p. 136-138

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 168-170

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