ABG Flashcards

1
Q

What is the purpose of the arterial blood gas test?

A

To assess acid-base status and to determine adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation.

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2
Q

True or false: Bicarbonate is not measured on ABG but has to be calculated.

A

True

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3
Q

Define primary event and give examples:

A

The problem that initiates the acid - base imbalance.
Hyperventilation, hypoventilation, vomiting, diarrhea

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4
Q

What is the normal serum CO2 level?

A

22-26

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5
Q

What is normal arterial CO2 level?

A

35-45

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6
Q

Describe what a primary disorder is:

A

What results from the primary event - respiratory acidosis or metabolic alkalosis

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7
Q

In metabolic acidosis, what is the direction of the pH, HCO3, and PaCO2. Which is the causative level and which is the compensation level?

A

pH = decrease
HCO3 = decreased (primary)
PaCO2 = decreased (compensation)

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8
Q

In metabolic alkalosis, what is the direction of the pH, HCO3, and PaCO2. Which is the causative level and which is the compensation level?

A

pH = increase
HCO3 = increased (primary)
PaCO2 = increased (compensation)

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9
Q

In respiratory acidosis, what is the direction of the pH, HCO3, and PaCO2. Which is the causative level and which is the compensation level?

A

pH = decrease
HCO3 = increase (compensatory)
PaCO2 = increase (primary)

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10
Q

In respiratory alkalosis, what is the direction of the pH, HCO3, and PaCO2. Which is the causative level and which is the compensation level?

A

pH = increase
HCO3 = decrease (compensation)
PaCO2 = decrease (primary)

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11
Q

What are the causes of metabolic alkalosis?

A

-Excess baking soda / alka-seltzer
-Prolonged vomiting
-NG tube
-Diuretics

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12
Q

What are the manifestations of metabolic alkalosis?

A

CNS over-excitability
Confusion
Tremors
Muscle cramps
Paraesthesia
Coma
N/V/D
Respiratory depression (this is a mechanism for compensation)

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13
Q

What are causes of respiratory alkalosis?

A

Hyperventilation
Increased metabolic demands (fever, sepsis)
Medication
Acute anxiety
Hypoxia
PO / lung disease
CNS lesions
Ventilation setting

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14
Q

What are the manifestations for respiratory alkalosis?

A

CNS over-excitability
Tachypnea
Confusion
Light headedness
Blurred vision
Paraesthesia
Hyperactive reflexes
Seizures
Coma

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15
Q

What levels are abnormal for acute respiratory acidosis vs chronic respiratory acidosis?

A

Acute = PaCO2 high (> 45) BUT normal HCO3 (bicarb - or may be serum CO2)
Chronic = HCO3 high (serum CO2)

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16
Q

What are the causes of respiratory acidosis?

A

Hypoventilation
Cardiopulmonary arrest
Head injury
Narcotics / sedatives
Pulmonary disorders
Pain
Abdominal distention
Airway obstruction
Chest wall deformities
Neuromuscular problems

17
Q

What are manifestations of respiratory acidosis?

A

CNS depression - hypoventilation, dyspnea, respiratory distress, shallow breathing, headache, restlessness, confusion, tachycardia dysrhythmias, decreased LOC, stupor, coma

18
Q

What are the causes of metabolic acidosis?

A

Renal failure
Fistulas
Diabetes
Lactic acidosis
Prolonged diarrhea
Starvation
Shock
Cardiac arrest

19
Q

What are the manifestations of metabolic acidosis?

A

CNS - lethargy drowsiness, confusion, tremors, muscle cramps, parasthesia
Hypotension
Hyperkalemia
Deep breathing - Kussmaul respirations

20
Q

How do the kidneys compensate for respiratory acidosis or alkalosis?

A

Retention / excretion of H+ / HCO3

21
Q

What is full compensation?

A

When pH is returned to a normal level
Acid and base are neutralized but not corrected

22
Q

What is partial compensation?

A

pH is still abnormal
Acid AND base abnormal

23
Q

What is uncompensation?

A

pH abnormal
Acid OR base abnormal (not enough time to compensate)

24
Q

What is considered corrected?

A

pH normal, all acid / base returned to normal after imbalance