During ACLS, if the physician is unable to palpate a radial pulse and BP is 25/5 mm Hg, what should the RT do?

In the scenario described during advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), when a physician cannot palpate a radial pulse and blood pressure is critically low at 25/5 mm Hg, the focus is on assessing the patient's oxygenation status and metabolic state more effectively.

Obtaining arterial blood for gas analysis is important in these situations, and the femoral artery is a large central artery that is often easier to access and provides a more accurate reflection of systemic arterial blood gas levels than peripheral arteries, especially when perfusion is compromised as indicated by the absence of a radial pulse. This allows for timely interventions based on the blood gas results.

While the other options may seem relevant in different contexts, they do not provide the same immediate diagnostic benefit under the critical conditions presented. For example, using venous blood for blood gas analysis may not give the accurate physiological data needed, especially in a state of shock. Performing an Allen’s test is intended for evaluating the collateral circulation of the hand prior to arterial puncture, but is not immediately necessary in an emergency where obtaining blood quickly is crucial. Attempting a brachial artery puncture could also be challenging and less reliable in a resuscitation scenario where quick access to arterial blood assessment is needed.

Thus,