Download Arterial Blood Gases and Vascular Access Devices: Terms and Definitions and more Quizzes Biology of microorganisms in PDF only on Docsity!
arterial blood gases
(ABGs)
analytical test that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bood. Provides useful information about respiratory status and the acid-base balance of patients with pulmonary disorders. TERM 2
autologous transfusion
DEFINITION 2 a patient donates his or her own blood or blood components for use later; this is the safest type of transfusion (i.e., using one's own blood). It prevents transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases and eliminates the formation of antibodies from other donors. TERM 3
bacteremia
DEFINITION 3 presenceof bacteria in the blood; an infection of the blood. TERM 4
blood cultures
DEFINITION 4 tests that aid in identifying the specific bacterial organism causing infections in the blood. In the case of a patient that is experiencing fever spikes, it is recommended that the blood culture specimens be collected before and after the fever spike, when bacteria are most likely present in the peripheral circulation. Care must be taken by the phlebotomist noit to contaminate the specimen, so special preparation of the collection site is required. TERM 5
brachial artery
DEFINITION 5 an artery located in the cubital fossa of the arm and used as an alternative site for ABG collections. Phlebotomists must be specially trained to perform collections from this site.
cannula
a tube can be inserted into a cavity or blood vessel and used as a channel for transporting fluids. The term is most commonly used in dialysis for patients with lidney disease. The cannula is used to gain access to venous blood for dialysis or for blood collections. Specialized training and experience are required to draw blood from a cannula. TERM 7
central intravenous line
DEFINITION 7 central venous catheter (CVC), a commonly used VAD Refer to vascular access device. TERM 8
femoral artery
DEFINITION 8 located in the groin area of the leg and lateral to the femur bone, it is the largest artery used as an alternative site for ABG collections. Phlebotomists must be specially trained to perform collections from this site. TERM 9
fevers of unknown origin (FUO)
DEFINITION 9 indicates the patient has an undiagnosed infection, which usually results in ordering blood cultures. TERM 10
fistula
DEFINITION 10 an artificial shunt or passage, commonly used in the arm of a patient undergoing kidney dialysis; the vein and artery are fused through a surgical procedure. Only specially trained personnel can collect blood from a fistula.
peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)
type of vascular access device (VAD) inserted into the peripheralvenous system with a lead into the central venous system. A PICC is usually placed in the arm in the basilic or cephalic vein. A PICC should not be used for blood collections because it may collapse during aspiration of the blood. TERM 17
postprandial glucose
test
DEFINITION 17 a glucose test performed after ingestion of a meal; useful for screening patients for diabetes, because glucose levels in serum specimens drawn 2 hours after a meal are rarely elevated in normal patients. In contrast, diabetic patients have elevated glucose values 2 hours after a meal. TERM 18
radial artery
DEFINITION 18 located on the thumb side of the wrist, this artery is most commonly used to collect blood specimens for arterial blood gases. Phlebotomistsmust be specially trained to perform collections from this site. TERM 19
septicemia
DEFINITION 19 formly called "blood poisoning," the term now means the presence of toxins or multiplying bacteria in the blood. TERM 20
sodium polyanethole sulfonate
(SPS)
DEFINITION 20 an additive typically used in blood culture bottles to prevent clotting.
therapeutic phlebotomy
removal of blood for therapeutic reasons (i.e., in conditions where there is an excessive production of blood cells). TERM 22
trace metals
DEFINITION 22 elements such as aluminum or lead that may be present in the blood. Specially prepared blood collection tubes are required during phlebotomy so they are free of metals that may cause interference with the testing process. TERM 23
vascular access devices (VADs)
DEFINITION 23 a variety of specially designed devices to allow entrance into a vein or artery. One of the most commonly used VADs is a central venous catheter (CVC), which is usually inserted into the subclavian vein (in the chest area below the clavicle), the juular vein, or the superior vena cava, VADs are used for chemotherapy administration, hyperalimentation, IV fluids, or for procedures like hemodialysis.
