The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) respiratory therapy supervisor is observing a therapist obtain an arterial blood sample from an infant's radial artery and notices that the therapist has the bevel of the needle pointed upward, entering the patient's skin at a 45-degree angle and in a direction against the arterial flow. What should the supervisor do at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Insert the needle of the syringe or butterfly catheter into the artery at a 35- to 45-degree angle with the bevel up and advance it gently. Enter the artery from the direction opposite, or against, the blood flow. A flash in the hub of the syringe or butterfly catheter verifies that the needle penetrated the artery and is located in the lumen. In the small pediatric patient it is quite easy to pass through the artery with the needle. If a good pulse is palpated and no blood return occurs after the needle is inserted, pull the needle back incrementally and continue to watch for a flash of blood. If resistance is met when inserting the needle, slowly withdraw it immediately and change direction because it has most likely touched the bone.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Respiratory Therapy Supervisor Is