User:Bron766/My Portfolio/ABG

Perform an ABG
 * List and identify equipment required (and why a normal syringe won't suffice)
 * Gain informed consent from patient including explanation of risks / benefits and answering of common patient questions (e.g. will it hurt / take long etc.)
 * Identify the radial artery at the wrist by anatomical knowledge and palpation
 * [[Image:Gnome-dialog-question.svg|20px]]Explain the aim of and list the steps in the Allen test (controversial)
 * Describe the process for radial stab ABG including patient positioning, aseptic technique, safe sharps management
 * Perform the process for radial stab ABG on a simulated patient / real patient with assistance / real patient independently
 * Explain the consequences of delaying analysis of the ABG
 * Explain the consequences of contaminating the ABG sample with air bubbles
 * Discuss sources of error including identification of sample/patient, dilution, haemolysis, use of other blood tubes and changing oxygen levels

Further skills:
 * List various methods of anaesthesia that can be used during the procedure
 * List and evaluate alternative body sites for obtaining an arterial sample
 * [[Image:Gnome-dialog-question.svg|20px]]Discuss and evaluate the role of the Allen test
 * Discuss and evaluate variations in equipment
 * Explain the consequences of hypo/hyperthermia on ABG results
 * Discuss and evaluate variations in process, including taking samples from arterial lines
 * Monitor and treat complications
 * Discuss contraindications to ABGs
 * Discuss and evaluate VBG (Venous Blood Gas) versus ABG testing
 * Explain the mechanism of spurriously high lactate readings on some VBGs
 * Teach others to perform an ABG
 * Develop new techniques or alternatives

Interpret the Oxygenation results
 * Explain the abbreviations O2 sat, metHb, OxyHb, COHb
 * Define a normal pO2 range and identify pO2 readings as low, normal or high
 * Describe the concept of the A-a gradient
 * Define the formula for the A-a gradient
 * Use the formula to calculate A-a gradients
 * Calculate the CaO2 to assess total oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
 * Define a normal A-a gradient range and identify calculated A-a gradients as low, normal or high

Assess for disorders of haemaglobin
 * Describe the normal haemoglobin dissociation curve
 * Define a normal metHb
 * Explain the impact of carbon monoxide inhalation on carboxyhaemaglobin levels and respiratory function

Interpret the Electrolyte results etc.... for other electrolytes
 * Understand the importance of electrolyte balance in the blood
 * Explain the abbreviations Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca+2
 * Define a normal Na+ range and identify Na+ readings as low, normal or high
 * Define a normal K+ range and identify K+ readings as low, normal or high
 * [[Image:Red flag left.svg|20px]] Identify critical or dangerous electrolyte abnormalities
 * List common causes of low Na+
 * List common causes of high Na+
 * List common causes of low K+
 * List common causes of high K+
 * Identify the cause of low Na+ in a particular clinical scenario by use of an algorithm
 * Describe the management of hyperkalemia
 * Discuss the management options for refractory hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia...

Interpret the Lactate
 * List causes (not just hypoperfusion) of elevated lacatate levels
 * Classify causes of high lactate into types