From ClinicalSkills.net:
We have a bumper crop of new procedures and updates for
you this week!
The first two new procedures are on obtaining a sample
for arterial blood gas measurement. One covers taking the sample via an
arterial line, and the other shows taking the sample via an arterial puncture.
Both procedures are by Claire Walker, Lecturer at the University of Liverpool.
You'll find them in the Adults section, under the Observations category.
Obtaining a sample for arterial blood gas measurement via
an arterial puncture
This procedure covers the reasons why arterial blood gas
measurement may be carried out and the sites where an arterial puncture may be
performed. It reviews the contraindications for carrying out the procedure, and
what complications may follow. It describes how to perform the Allen test, to
check the blood circulation to the hand. This procedure goes on to show the
injection of local anaesthetic, how to take the blood sample and how to prepare
the syringe of blood once the sample has been obtained.
Obtaining a sample for arterial blood gas measurement via
an arterial line
The companion procedure shows how to collect the sample
for arterial blood gas measurement from a patient who already has an arterial
line in place. It emphasises the need to clearly identify an arterial line, and
to check the 0.9% sodium chloride infusion used to maintain the patency of the
arterial line before administration and at regular intervals. The sample must
be taken at least 15 or 20 minutes after altering the patient's oxygen flow
rate (or applying oxygen or suctioning), in order to reflect the patient's
response to oxygen therapy.
Having described how to cleanse the sampling port on the
arterial line and fill the "waste" syringe, the procedure shows how
to take the sample, prepare the syringe of blood, and then flush the sampling
port. It also covers the important observations that must be done following the
procedure.
Other new procedures and updates are as follows:
Assisting with eating and drinking in a care home setting
This new procedure is an adapted version of
"Assisting a patient with eating and drinking" that has been edited
to be suitable for HCAs working outside of the hospital setting. The editor is
Vickie Wylde, Regional Support Manager at Brighterkind Homes. It includes much
advice specific to staff in care homes, but which is generally applicable in
the community setting. The last two pages include a checklist and assessor
questions, which can be downloaded separately.
Mouth Care
This has been peer reviewed and extensively revised by
the author, with updated illustrations. It now includes reference to the Health
Education England programme to improve oral health, "Mouth Care
Matters". It also mentions the Sunflower Initiative to help staff identify
those patients with dentures, to ensure that they get appropriate help with cleaning
their dentures and try to prevent these getting mislaid.
Urine testing-HCAs
These two new procedures aimed at HCAs have been adapted
from the Adults procedures on Urine observation and Urinalysis. You will find a
checklist and assessor questions on both procedures at the end of the one on
urinalysis.
Care of a PEG tube and Feeding via a PEG (bolus and pump
feeding) Both of these Adults procedures have been updated and feature ENFIT
connectors.
Washing a patient's hair in bed
This procedure, in the Adults category, has been updated
and the illustrations refreshed, in line with the HCA version that was
published in December 2017.
Access these new procedures via the Library resources intranet page when on a Trust PC or off-site at www.clinicalskills.net with an OpenAthens account
