The respiratory therapist preparing to insert an arterial line in the right radial artery performs an Allen's test.The result of the Allen's test is 20 seconds.The respiratory therapist should do which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The purpose of the Allen's test is to assess the adequacy of the collateral circulation to the hand,specifically ulnar circulation.A positive Allen's test is a refill time of 5 to 10 seconds.This patient has a negative Allen's test (23 seconds).Therefore,ulnar collateral circulation is insufficient and the right radial artery of this patient must not be cannulated.Another site,the left radial,should be assessed for collateral circulation.

The Respiratory Therapist Preparing to Insert an Arterial Line in the Right