ABG Lab Values Flashcards
What is the normal pH range for arterial blood?
7.35 - 7.45
What is the normal range for
- PaCO2 = ?
- PaO2 = ?
- PaCO2 = 35 - 45 mmHg
- PaO2 = 80 - 100 mmHg
What is the normal range for HCO3-?
22 - 26 mEq/L
What is the normal range for SaO2?
95-100%
Define acidemia.
Elevated acidity of blood (pH < 7.35)
Define alkalemia.
Decreased acidity of blood (pH > 7.45)
What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation used for?
To describe the inverse relationship between pH and PaCO2.
How does the body regulate pH immediately?
Blood buffers (proteins and phosphates)
How does the body regulate CO2?
Through the lungs by adjusting ventilation.
How does the body regulate bicarbonate (HCO3-)?
Through the kidneys, which can take hours to respond.
What is hypoxemia?
Low O2 in arterial blood.
Hypoxemia vs. hypoxia = ?
- Hypoxemia = low O2 in arterial blood
- Hypoxia = low O2 in tissues
What PaO2 level indicates
- mild hypoxemia = ?
- moderate hypoxemia = ?
- severe hypoxemia = ?
Mild hypoxemia
- 60 – 79 mm Hg
- SaO2 90% - 95%
Moderate hypoxemia
- 40 – 59 mm Hg
- SaO2 60% – 90%
Severe hypoxemia
- PaO2 < 40 mm Hg
- SaO2 < 60%
What are steps 1-5 in ABG analysis?
- 1st = Examine pH to assess acid-base balance.
- 2nd = Examine the PaCO2 as an indicator of ventilatory status.
- 3rd = Interpret PaCO2 in relation to pH.
- 4th = Interpret the HCO3- in relation to pH.
- 5th = Interpret the PaO2 and SaO2
What does a pH < 7.35 indicate?
Acidemia
What does a pH > 7.45 indicate?
Alkalemia
Define respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory Acidosis: A condition where the lungs fail to remove CO2 efficiently, leading to acidemia.
Define respiratory alkalosis.
Respiratory Alkalosis: A condition where the lungs remove too much CO2, leading to alkalemia.
Define metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic Acidosis: A condition where excess acid is produced or bicarbonate is lost, leading to acidemia.
Define metabolic alkalosis.
Metabolic Alkalosis: A condition where there is excess bicarbonate or loss of acid, leading to alkalemia.
What does compensation mean in ABG analysis?
It refers to one system (respiratory or metabolic) trying to correct the pH imbalance caused by the other.
What is the difference between acute and chronic conditions in ABG analysis?
Acute conditions have no metabolic compensation, while chronic conditions show signs of compensation.
What are cardiac biomarkers?
Substances like CK-MB and Troponin used to assess cardiac events like myocardial infarction.
What is a complete blood count (CBC) used for?
To assess overall health and diagnose conditions like anemia, infection, and more.
What does a lipid profile measure?
Cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood to assess atherosclerosis risk.
What do PT and PTT tests measure?
The time it takes for blood to clot, used to monitor anticoagulant therapy.
What is the INR and why is it important?
International Normalized Ratio, used to monitor patients on anticoagulants.
What is the therapeutic objective for ABG management?
To maintain normal pH, PaCO2, and HCO3- levels in the blood.
What conditions can imbalance in pH cause?
Convulsions or coma.