Arterial sticks and analysis

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Dec 18, 2015

RNs and MDs d them, RNs, RTs, and MDs analyze them.

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2015

Depends on the state and facility policy. I can not as a RN do a art stick. MDs and RTs can both do sticks and insert Alines, we all analyze them. RT or the MD can make vent changes in my facility, RNs are not allowed to make changes to the vent.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Dec 19, 2015

Typically RT does the art stick but RNs and MDs can, too. RTs, RNs and MDs can interpret results. In all of the places I have worked, RT adjusts the vent settings based on the ABG results.

bebbercorn · Dec 19, 2015

My new facility is the first one where we are allowed (as RNs) to do art sticks. I'm still getting the hang of it... (Hey, RT, while you're in there...) But I have always been expected to be able to interpret the results.

Bluebolt · Dec 19, 2015

As a new grad RN in Alabama I was required to do three arterial sticks and verify appropriate technique and safe practice in the ICU. It was mostly a backup so that if the RT is too busy or unable you can do it. I don't think I've ever done it in practice outside of those few times not to mention I appreciate there being at least one task I'm not responsible for performing daily. I've removed arterial sheaths and art lines many many times though. I wish there was someone trained to take over the femoral arterial sheath removals after intense anti-coagulation, that would be great!

heinz57 · Dec 20, 2015

I guess I should have been more clear about the analysis part. I meant do you have your own iSTAT or other POC machine to analyze the blood or do you send it to lab?

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Dec 20, 2015

We have istat machines in our unit

Greenclip · Dec 21, 2015

I do the vast majority of arterial sticks and that is common practice throughout this city and state. The RT will get it if I'm busy. If I've tried twice and can't get it, it is 50-50 that I'd call our RT or call charge to try. If the RT fails, they can ask their senior RT to come make the draw.

We can do only radial sticks. The RT or an MD does brachial draws. I've only ever seen an MD do an arterial stick once....a very experienced attending, on a patient with feeble pulses.

We send them to lab and results are back very quickly. Our ED uses POC analysis, but in our ED the RTs draw all the ABGs.

Dranger · Dec 22, 2015

We can but I never have. Our RTs are staffed well and I have other things to do....

Nurses are not staffed well at my hospital due to attrition.

littlepeopleRNICU · Dec 22, 2015

Transport nurses can do art sticks, as well as NPs, MDs, and RTs. Bedside RNs don't anymore. It's typically the RTs who do them in my unit.

delphine22 · Dec 24, 2015

RNs do not do art sticks in our facility, unless they are also certified as RTs (we have a few of those who moonlight). I've seen an MD put an a-line in on the unit once, and it was a toughie that he had to do a straight cut-down on. We have a machine in our MICU that analyzes all the ABGs on our side of the hospital, and the other side has one that handles NICU, SICU and the other half.