ABG Basics
What is the normal pH range for arterial blood?
7.35-7.45
What ABG values determines if the imbalance is respiratory or metabolic?
CO2 & HCO3
Interpret the following ABG:
pH 6.9
PaCO2 80
HCO3 31
Partially Compensated Respiratory Acidosis
A patient in DKA is at risk for what ABG abnormality?
Metabolic Acidosis
What organ system compensates for metabolic acidosis?
Respiratory system
What is the normal PaCO2 range?
45-35
What type of imbalance is present based on the following ABG?
pH 7.31
PaCO₂ 50 mmHg
HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L
Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis
Interpret the following ABG
pH 7.52
PaCO2 31
HCO3 24
Uncompensated Respiratory Alkalosis
A patient taking narcotics following surgery is at risk for what ABG abnormality?
Respiratory Acidosis
How does the respiratory system compensate for metabolic acidosis?
hyperventilation to blow off CO2
What is the normal HCO3 range?
22-26
What two ABG results would indicate metabolic acidosis?
pH < 7.35
HCO3 <22
Interpret the following ABG:
pH 7.31
PaCO2 34
HCO3 19
Partially Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
A patient experiencing severe diarrhea is at risk for which ABG abnormality?
Metabolic Acidosis
What is the expected compensation for respiratory alkalosis?
the kidneys will excrete HCO3
What does a PaCO2 level of 50 mmHg indicate?
Acidosis
What are the two ways the body compensates for respiratory acidosis?
The kidneys reabsorb HCO3 & waste H+
Interpret the following ABG:
pH 7.36
PaCO2 60
HCO3 31
Fully Compensated Respiratory Acidosis
A patient who is overusing antacids is at risk for which ABG abnormality?
Metabolic Alkalosis
In DKA, what does the body do to compensate for the metabolic acidosis?
Kussmaul respirations
A pH of 7.25 is considered what type of imbalance?
Acidosis
List 3 causes of metabolic alkalosis
- vomiting
-gastric suctioning
-potassium wasting diuretics
-overuse of antacids
Interpret the following ABG:
pH 7.44
PaCO2 51
HCO3 28
Fully Compensated Metabolic Alkalosis
A laboring patient is at risk for which ABG abnormality?
Respiratory Alkalosis
How can you differentiate between partial and full compensation?
In partial compensation, all values are abnormal.
The pH is normal in full compensation while the HCO3 and CO2 are abnormal.