Is it safe to draw an ABG specimen from a limb that has an AV shunt or fistula?

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Multiple Choice

Is it safe to draw an ABG specimen from a limb that has an AV shunt or fistula?

Avoid drawing an ABG from a limb with an AV fistula or shunt. That limb is used for hemodialysis access and is high-risk to puncture because it can be damaged easily, leading to bleeding, hematoma, infection, or thrombosis of the fistula, which could compromise dialysis. Since ABG sampling requires arterial access, the safe practice is to use a different limb or arterial site and only proceed with physician guidance if no other site is available.

Avoid drawing an ABG from a limb with an AV fistula or shunt. That limb is used for hemodialysis access and is high-risk to puncture because it can be damaged easily, leading to bleeding, hematoma, infection, or thrombosis of the fistula, which could compromise dialysis. Since ABG sampling requires arterial access, the safe practice is to use a different limb or arterial site and only proceed with physician guidance if no other site is available.

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