My lab skill is taking an ABG from the Radial artery. I have no problems with the brachial artery, and i have a hard time hitting the radial. I can feel it by palpation, but out of the 2 i have tried, i only got one of them, and i refuse to stick a person twice because arterial puncture seems to be extremely uncomfortable, even when done by someone more experienced than myself.
Does anyone have any good tricks? I have no problems reading the results, be it Metabolic, or Respiratory Alkalosis, or acidosis (that isnt hard), and rather it is compensated or not, I understand that perfectly, but getting the blood for the test is a little more difficult from the radial. Anything you have to offer I am willing to try. This is the first skill I have had trouble with, and its stressing me out a little.
Thanks!
BrandyBSN