ABG interpretation

Question 1

What is the typical blood picture of respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 1

High pH
High pO2
Low pCO2
Bicarbonate normal

Question 2

What are the main causes of respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 2

anxiety–> hyperventilation
pulmonary embolism
salicylate poisoning*
CNS disorders: stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage, encephalitis
altitude
pregnancy

Question 3

What picture would metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis give?

Answer 3

Low pH- Acidosis
High pCO2- Respiratory

Question 4

How to differentiate acidosis and alkalosis?

Answer 4

Acidosis <7.35
Alkalosis >7.45

Question 5

What would indicate respiratory acidosis?

Answer 5

pH <7.35
PaCO2 > 6.0 kPa (4-6)

Question 6

What would indicate respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 6

pH >7.45
PaCO2 < 4.7

Question 7

What would a low pH and a bicarbonate < 22 mmol/l suggest?

Answer 7

Metabolic acidosis

Question 8

What would a high pH and a bicarbonate > 26 mmol/l suggest?

Answer 8

Metabolic alkalosis