ABG Question

corks · Jul 20, 2003

ABG's are the most accurate way to determine the status of your baby. They can be taken from a UAC ( if needs must a UVC will also be used but must be taken into account that it is a venous sample) an arterial stab or a peripheral arterial line. If you have none of the above then it has to be a cap gas. Frequency would depend on your babies condition and if there have been any vent changes, They can be anything from hrly to 6. if you can get your hands on the handbook of neonatal intensive care by halliday on page 68 is a good reference for your normal gases taken from the above sites. Handy as a guide. If not I could punch it up on screen for you. Thanks for the questions, it has made the old grey cells work again. Cheers. Corks

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jul 20, 2003

Thank you very much!!

RN from OZ · Jul 21, 2003

Same here as is in England but we often do a radial or brachial stab rather than use the uac line...contamination issues

For vent changes etc they are the best indicator...we use the cap gases more in term bubs with PPHN or HMD

Mira · Jul 21, 2003

in my unit here in england most of the docs prefer art/cap gas to determine effectivity of oxygenation even if they have venous access they would do heel prick to get a cap gas for this reason.