After obtaining an arterial blood sample, what should you do?

1. Apply pressure to the puncture site until bleeding stops.
2. Place the sample in a transport container with ice slush.
3. Check to see if the patient is getting anticoagulant therapy.
4. Mix the sample by rolling and inverting the syringe.
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1, 2, and 4 only
c. 3 and 4 only
d. 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANS: B
Box 19-2 outlines the basic procedure for radial artery puncture of adults.