Skill 27 : Arterial Puncture

Task: Perform arterial puncture correctly and safely on a manikin

Criteria for satisfactory completion of task : When all relevant

aspects of the task, governed by the following principles are
demonstrated :
• Adequate preparation of the patient and tools for the
procedure
• Conduct of the procedure adheres strictly to principles of
asepsis and standard
• precautions
• Consideration of patient safety and comfort
• Adequate documentation of the procedure
• Recognition of limitations and possible complications

Checklist

Expected Actions

1 Preparation

● Confirm the patient,

● introduces self (if patient is conscious)

● explains the procedure

● requests verbal consent

● gathers equipment necessary for obtaining an arterial blood

gas sampling and place them on a clean tray
- heparinised syringe with cap
- 25G needle
- sharps disposal container
- gauze
- alcohol swab

● standard precautions

2 Identify a suitable site for sampling.(radial artery)

3 Position the patient's hand with the wrist extended 20-30".

TSRL 2013
4 Clean the sampling site with an alcohol swab

5 Expel the heparin from the syringe

6 Technique

● while palpating for the pulse (sampling site)

● insert the needle at a 450 angle

with the bevel facing up with the
other hand.

● note a flash of blood in the barrel of

the needle confirms that the needle
is in the artery

● obtain at least 3 mls of blood

before withdrawing.

7 Compress the puncture site with a gauze for 5 minutes and

ensure that there is no bleeding when releasing the site*

8 Clear all sharps and wastes in the appropriate place

9. Remove PPE , wash hands and document

TSRL 2013