NORCET 1 - 2020: Identify the procedure being performed in the image?

NORCET 1 - 2020

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: NORCET 1 - 2020

Explanation

The procedure shown is blood sampling for Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis.
The healthcare provider is palpating the radial artery, a common site for this procedure.
The needle is inserted at a steep angle (around 45 degrees), which is typical for accessing an artery, not a vein.
A tourniquet is not used in arterial punctures because the natural pressure within the artery is sufficient for blood collection.
This procedure is specifically done to assess a patient's respiratory and metabolic status by measuring blood gases and pH.

Option B: IV drug administration is performed into a vein (venous access), not an artery. The technique involves a shallower angle of insertion (15-30 degrees) and often the placement of an intravenous catheter.
Option C: Venipuncture is the process of collecting blood from a vein. It requires a tourniquet to make the vein more prominent and uses a shallower needle angle (15-30 degrees). The image clearly shows an arterial puncture.
Option D: This option is incorrect because the image depicts a specific procedure (arterial puncture), which is distinct from venipuncture and IV drug administration. The techniques are mutually exclusive in this context.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of clinical procedures based on visual evidence as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A crucial nursing responsibility before an ABG draw from the radial artery is to perform the Allen test to ensure collateral circulation from the ulnar artery, preventing potential hand ischemia.
After the procedure, the nurse must apply firm, direct pressure to the puncture site for at least 5 minutes (longer if the patient is on anticoagulants) to prevent hematoma formation and bleeding.
What if? If the image showed a tourniquet applied to the arm, it would immediately rule out an arterial puncture and strongly suggest a venous procedure like venipuncture or IV cannulation.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully analyze the image for key details of the medical procedure being performed.
Identify the anatomical location (wrist), the equipment used (syringe and needle), and the specific actions of the healthcare provider (palpating for a pulse, angle of needle entry).
Note the absence of a tourniquet, which is a significant clue.
Evaluate each option based on these visual cues. 'Blood sampling for ABG analysis' involves an arterial puncture, which matches the steep angle, radial artery location, and lack of a tourniquet.
Contrast this with the techniques for 'Venipuncture' and 'IV Drug Administration,' which are venous procedures requiring a tourniquet and a shallower needle angle.
Conclude that only the criteria for an ABG draw are met, making the other options incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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