ABG analysis

Question 1

What is PaO2?

Answer 1

Partial pressure of oxygen
- How well oxygen is able to move from the lungs to the blood.

Question 2

What is PaCO2?

Answer 2

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide
- Measures the movement of CO2 from the lungs to the blood

Question 3

What is pH?

Answer 3

Potential of hydrogen, how acid/alkaline something is

Question 4

What is HCO3?

Answer 4

Bicarbonate

Question 5

What is the normal range for pH?

Answer 5

7.35-7.45

Question 6

What is the normal range for PaO2?

Answer 6

10.8-13kPa

Question 7

What is the normal range for PaCO2?

Answer 7

4.7-6kPa

Question 8

What is the normal range for HCO3?

Answer 8

22-26mEq/L

Question 9

ABG results tell us about the activity taking place in which two systems?

Answer 9

Respiratory and metabolic

Question 10

What happens if the respiratory or metabolic system is disturbed?

Answer 10

The other will compensate to restore balance

Question 11

How is the metabolic system largely regulated?

Answer 11

The kidneys excreting or retaining acid or bicarbonate

Question 12

What are both systems are primarily concerned with?

Answer 12

Maintaining healthy pH

Question 13

From where does the drive to breathe come from?

Answer 13

Arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide
(PaCO2)