ABG - WHAT IS IT ?

Scenario: Ron has just arrived in the Emergency Room with complaints of 
shortness of breath. The nurse does an assessment. The doctor examines
Ron. He orders tests, which include an ABG and an EKG.

What is an ABG?
An ABG ( Arterial blood gas) is a blood test which is done to evaluate a
patient's oxygenation, when respiratory problems exist. A heparinized
syringe is used to draw blood from an artery, in order to do this test
 (SEE ABOVE).

The results of the ABG will give insight into a patient's oxygen levels and 
other significant information. The results of the ABG will help the doctor
to decide the course of treatment. Depending on the severity, mechanical 
ventilation may be ordered by the doctor.



Scenario 1 : A Code Blue is in progress.
Scenario 2: The nurse is not paying attention!

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