You are obtaining an arterial blood gas in the radial artery on a retired cab driver who has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit for a stroke. You are concerned about the possibility of arterial insufficiency. You perform the Allen test. This means that you:

Question

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The Allen test is for determining patency of the ulnar artery before puncturing the radial artery. In the event of an occlusion in the radial artery system, the ulnar artery can provide adequate blood flow.

You Are Obtaining an Arterial Blood Gas in the Radial