All of the following are true about capillary blood gas sampling except: A) capillary sampling can be used in lieu of direct arterial access in some infants and small children. B) a capillary sample PO₂ provides a fairly close estimate of actual arterial oxygenation. C) clinicians should exercise caution when using capillary samples to guide decisions. D) properly obtained capillary blood can provide estimates of arterial pH and PCO₂ levels.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sometimes capillary blood gas sampling is used as an alternative to direct arterial access in infants and small children. Properly obtained capillary blood from a well-perfused patient can provide rough estimates of arterial pH and PCO₂ levels. However, the capillary PO₂ is of no value in estimating arterial oxygenation. For this reason, direct arterial access is still the preferred approach for assessing gas exchange in infants and small children. Respiratory therapists must exercise extreme caution when using capillary blood gases to guide clinical decisions.

All of the Following Are True About Capillary Blood Gas