ABG Interpretation Flashcards
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?
There is no compensation. Body system is not doing anything to put the pH into the normal range.
What are the Normal Values? pH? pCO2? HCO3-? pO2? O2 Sat?
pH: 7.35-7.45 pCO2: 35-45 mm/Hg HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L pO2 80-100 mm/Hg O2 Sat: 95% - 100%
What does Hypoxemia mean?
Low Blood Oxygen
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?
This lets you know which system is CAUSING the electrolyte imbalance.
Anything less than 7.40
pH is considered?
Acidosis
Range for Severe Hypoxemia
pO2: Less than 40 mm/Hg
Acid Base Balance is maintained by the kidneys and lungs.
_________ (easily release H+) controlled by the lungs.
_________ eliminated by the kidneys.
Volatile acids: exhalation of excess CO2
Non-volatile acids: excreted through the urine.
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?
There is compensation. Body system is doing something to put the pH into the normal range.
What is the Low-Normal pH?
7.35-7.39
What does the pO2 measure?
Partial Pressure of Oxygen measures the amount of pressure oxygen is exerting in the blood stream.]
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
cause
Range for Mild Hypoxemia
pO2: 60-80 mm/Hg
Anything greater than 7.40
pH is considered?
Alkalosis
What is the High-Normal pH?
7.41-7.45
When will you know as a nurse that Full Compensation is occurring?
When the pH is in the normal range and the other values are abnormal.
What does the 02 Sat measure?
Saturation is the percentage of hemoglobin that has oxygen attached in the blood.
CO2 when combined with ______ in the bloodstream creates acid. Too much CO2 is acidic blood. Too little CO2 is alkalotic blood.
water
Body retains acid during ______.
alkalosis
Range for Moderate Hypoxemia
pO2: 40-60 mm/Hg
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?
You are looking for the “other system” that will try to correct the pH.
If pH is ABNORMAL what kind of compensation is occurring when the other values are:
Both Abnormal?
or
One is Normal?
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.
What is the absolute normal pH?
7.40
What does the pCO2 measure?
Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide measures the amount of pressure Carbon Dioxide is exerting in the blood stream.]
Body retains base during ______.
acidosis
