MEDizzy - The nurse performs an Allen’s test before blood is drawn

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Integrated Process

The nurse performs an Allen’s test before blood is drawn from the radial artery for an arterial blood gas (ABG) assessment. This intervention is done to determine the collateral circulatory adequacy of which arterial vessel?

ExplanationBefore radial puncture for obtaining an arterial specimen for ABGs, Allen’s test is performed to determine adequate ulnar circulation. Failure to assess collateral circulation could result in severe ischemic injury to the hand if damage to the radial artery occurs with arterial puncture. Allen’s test does not determine the adequacy of carotid, brachial, or femoral circulation.