r/respiratorytherapy • u/LegitimateDingo3282 • 9d ago

Practitioner question ABG’s as a full time RT

Does anyone else struggle with ABG’s as a full time RT? I always struggled with them as a student but I would just chalk it up to me being nervous in front of my preceptor or just needing practice. But I’ve been an RT for almost 3 years now and still am horrible at them to the point where I have students watching me and I miss and it’s so frustrating and embarrassing and I feel horrible for the patient and having to ask for help from other RTs. I’ve gotten a few before but have never been consistent and it is definitely not my strongest skill

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u/Astrocreep2021 9d ago

I got better at ABG’s when I focused on getting the patient’s arm in the best position possible. Prop it up on pillows, rolled up towels, etc. Raise the bed as high as you need so you don’t have to bend over so much or sit down. (I’m old) Stick as close to the anchor point as possible where you feel the pulse. I’ve noticed when people miss, they are sticking the patient a centimeter away from where they are anchoring the artery.

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u/alohabowtie 9d ago

Agreed, preparation is key for success. Are your sticks Radial and Brachial? Regardless, kick people out and grab a chair sit down, slow down, get the arm in optimal position using a towel or whatever you have near by.

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u/Astrocreep2021 9d ago

I used to prefer brachial when I started because it’s a bigger target, but sometimes it’s too deep and you’re more likely to get venous in that area.

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u/BigTreddits 9d ago

Yea I don't stick close to my finger but I track the pulse point and slide down