ABG's

Question 1

Normal Ranges for ABG’s

Answer 1

pH - 7.35 - 7.45
PaCO2 - 35-45
HCO3 - 22-26

Question 2

What are acids?

Answer 2

Materials that, once broken down, create hydrogen ions

pH level measures hydrogen ion concentration

Question 3

Hydrogen ions (H+) are ____
High H+ cause ____ pH levels
Low H+ cause ____ pH level

Answer 3

acidic
low
high

Question 4

What is HCO3?

Answer 4

Bicarb, it can act as an acid or base

Question 5

What is respiratory alkalosis?
+ Lab values

Answer 5

High pH, Low CO2
Caused by increased lung ventilation (so too much co2 is leaving the body, therefore we are alkalotic)

Question 6

Specific conditions that cause respiratory alkalosis

Answer 6

Hyperventilation - anxiety, panic disorder
Aspirin toxicity
Pneumothorax, neuro damage
High altitude - hypoxemia (causes us to breathe more)

Question 7

How do the kidneys compensate in respiratory alkalosis

Answer 7

By excreting HCO3 and retaining hydrogen ions

Question 8

Signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 8

Tachypnea
Tachycardia
Hypokalemia, hypocalcemia
Lightheaded, inability to concentrate