ABG Interpretation

Question 0

After you determine which system is causing the electrolyte imbalance Next look at the third value.
If the value is in the normal range, what is occurring?

Answer 0

There is no compensation. Body system is not doing anything to put the pH into the normal range.

Question 1

What are the Normal Values?
pH?
pCO2?
HCO3-?
pO2?
O2 Sat?

Answer 1

pH: 7.35-7.45
pCO2: 35-45 mm/Hg
HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L
pO2 80-100 mm/Hg
O2 Sat: 95% - 100%

Question 2

What does Hypoxemia mean?

Answer 2

Low Blood Oxygen

Question 3

After you determine whether the pH look at the other two values to determine whether it is CO2 or HCO3 that “agrees” (has a direct relationship) with the pH. What does this let the nurse know?

Answer 3

This lets you know which system is CAUSING the electrolyte imbalance.

Question 4

Anything less than 7.40

pH is considered?

Answer 4

Acidosis

Question 5

Range for Severe Hypoxemia

Answer 5

pO2: Less than 40 mm/Hg

Question 6

Acid Base Balance is maintained by the kidneys and lungs.
_________ (easily release H+) controlled by the lungs.
_________ eliminated by the kidneys.

Answer 6

Volatile acids: exhalation of excess CO2

Non-volatile acids: excreted through the urine.

Question 7

After you determine which system is causing the electrolyte imbalance Next look at the third value.
If the value is in the abnormal range, what is occurring?

Answer 7

There is compensation. Body system is doing something to put the pH into the normal range.

Question 8

What is the Low-Normal pH?

Answer 8

7.35-7.39

Question 10

What does the pO2 measure?

Answer 10

Partial Pressure of Oxygen measures the amount of pressure oxygen is exerting in the blood stream.]

Question 10

Decide for each of the values (pH, CO2, & HCO3) whether it is, normal, acidotic, or alkalotic.
The value of the pH determines the _____ of the imbalance:
pH less than 7.35 = acidosis
pH greater than 7.45 = alkalosis

Answer 10

cause

Question 12

Range for Mild Hypoxemia

Answer 12

pO2: 60-80 mm/Hg

Question 13

Anything greater than 7.40

pH is considered?

Answer 13

Alkalosis

Question 14

What is the High-Normal pH?

Answer 14

7.41-7.45

Question 15

When will you know as a nurse that Full Compensation is occurring?

Answer 15

When the pH is in the normal range and the other values are abnormal.

Question 16

What does the 02 Sat measure?

Answer 16

Saturation is the percentage of hemoglobin that has oxygen attached in the blood.

Question 17

CO2 when combined with ______ in the bloodstream creates acid. Too much CO2 is acidic blood. Too little CO2 is alkalotic blood.

Answer 17

water

Question 19

Body retains acid during ______.

Answer 19

alkalosis

Question 21

Range for Moderate Hypoxemia

Answer 21

pO2: 40-60 mm/Hg

Question 22

After you figure out if you patient is in Metabolic / Respiratory or Acidosis/Alkalosis the nurse will look at the pH again. What are you looking for when you take this second look?

Answer 22

You are looking for the “other system” that will try to correct the pH.

Question 22

If pH is ABNORMAL what kind of compensation is occurring when the other values are:

Both Abnormal?
or
One is Normal?

Answer 22

Partial Compensation is occurring only if BOTH systems (not pH) are abnormal.

No Compensation is occurring when only one system (not pH)remains in normal range.

Question 23

What is the absolute normal pH?

Answer 23

7.40

Question 23

What does the pCO2 measure?

Answer 23

Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide measures the amount of pressure Carbon Dioxide is exerting in the blood stream.]

Question 23

Body retains base during ______.

Answer 23

acidosis