arterial blood gas

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Ok, so this is from me, the preop patient, not me, the nursing student. :)

I have to get arterial blood gasses drawn next week and I hear they hurt like hell. Do I have to ask for a local first or is it just typical to use a local first? I don't think I have the guts to have them done without having some sort of numbing.

Thanks!

p.s. what if I ask for a local and they refuse me? I've actually been refused a local before an IV before (now IV's are not a big deal to me but were at one point.)

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Specializes in OB, ortho/neuro, home care, office.

Alright, just to clarify. ABG's usually don't hurt like hell. They clearly don't feel good. It feels sorta like being hit in the funny bone. Yes I've had one. It feels this way because the Artery they access is very close to a nerve. I don't think you need a local for this, I haven't ever heard of anyone getting a local for this. Don't listen to what others say, because most times they are out to scare you.

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I just had one about two month ago. I was warned it would hurt so I braced. It didn't hurt to the extent that there was any suffering. I'd give it a 1.5. It was over immediately. The real problem was going in blinded to the artery.

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Specializes in Family.

I'm not sure that a local would help, because it usually just numbs the skin and a little below. I would think that the pain would be like Jen said, more of a nerve related thing.

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I had one done last week, and the talk about it is grossly exaggerated. It didn't hurt any more than a regular blood test.:yelclap:

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Specializes in Transplant, homecare, hospice.
I had one done last week, and the talk about it is grossly exaggerated. It didn't hurt any more than a regular blood test.:yelclap:

I had one of those and I guess my arm is set up differently. I couldn't tolerate it at all...then again, I had a bad accident when I was a kid injuring both elbows when I fell. Maybe my nerves in my arms are different, but I nearly fell out when the ABG test was started. They had to go into my AC which was still painful. Regular blood draws are no problem. I have to have those Q 6 months.

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i;ve done over 1000 abg sticks....every pt rates them differently.one fact remains;who's gonna stick you!try and make sure it is a veteran of abg sticks.in icu we train our new nurses on vented,sedated pt;s first because in the hands of a poor "sticker" you may hurt alot.

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There's a lot to be said for ignorance is bliss. I've only had one ABG, it felt no different than a blood draw (which I have to have done every 3 months). Now that I've heard so many say that the ABG is painful I wish I had known to ask the name of that phlebotomist who did my ABG!!! If I ever need another it would be reassurring to be able to have her do it! :smokin:

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Specializes in ER.

I just recently learned to do ABG's and expected them to be very painful. Most of the time my patients don't even flinch, and definitely they seem to hurt less than an IV stick. I was very surprised.

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Hello, i'm a graduating nursing student here in the philippines, actually nursing is my second course. My first course was Respiratory Therapy, and back then we do ABG's. I remember when i was still a student, we used to practice ABG with our classmate. It stings a little bit, but its bearable. Anyway, it helps when you explain to the patient the procedure, helps calm them.... Nothing beats the feeling when you hit the artery on the first try. ................well happy hitting!!!!!!

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