ABG, Pulse Ox & Spirometry

Question 1

Information obtained from ABG

Answer 1

1. Acid base status
2. Oxygenation
3. CO2 elimination…AKA ventilation
4. Levels of carboxyhemoglobin & methemoglobin

Question 2

Contraindications of ABG

Answer 2

1. Bleeding diathesis
2. AV fistula
3. Severe peripheral vascular dz
4. Infection over site

Question 3

What does pulse oximetry NOT assess but why is it a good tool to use?

Answer 3

Does NOT assess ventilation (pCO2) or acid base status

Pulse Oximetryis non-invasive and provides immediate and continuous data

Question 4

What artery do you use in ABG?

Answer 4

Radial artery

Question 5

What are normal, acidotic, and alkalotic arterial blood gas values?

Answer 5

Normal: 7.35-7.45

Acidotic: < 7.35

Alkalotic: > 7.45

Question 6

What is normal paCO2 levels?

Acidotic? Alkalotic?

Answer 6

Normal: 35-45 mmHg

Acidotic: > 45 mmHg

Alkalotic: < 35 mmHg

Question 7

What is normal HCO3 levels?

Acidotic? Alkalotic?

Answer 7

Normal: 22-26 mEg/L

Acidotic: < 22

Alkalotic: > 26

Question 8

What is the pH and PCO2/PCO3 levels in respiratory acidosis?

Answer 8

pH: low

PCO2: high

Question 9

What is the pH and PCO2/PCO3 levels in metabolic acidosis?

Answer 9

pH: low

PCO3: low

Question 10

What is the pH and PCO2/PCO3 levels in respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 10

pH: high

PCO2: low

Question 11

What is the pH and PCO2/PCO3 levels in metabolic alkalosis?

Answer 11

pH: high

PCO3: high

Question 12

What are the individual factors affecting spirometry?

Answer 12

Height
Age
Sex
Race
Posture

*If values > 150% predicted, reenter variables

Question 13

What is reversibility testing?

Answer 13

Give bronchodilator

• ->Short-acting: wait 20 min before retesting
• ->Long-acting: wait 2 hours

Question 14

Definition of reversibility

Answer 14

Pre-bronchodilator: FEV1/FVC <70%

Post: Increase in 12% AND at least 200 cc

If reversible = asthma