ABG values

Question 1

pH

Answer 1

7.35 to 7.45

acid to base

Question 2

HCO3-

Answer 2

22 to 28 mEq/l (mmol/L)

acid to base

Question 3

CO2

Answer 3

45 to 35 mEq/L (mmol/L)

acid to base

Question 4

PaO2

Answer 4

80-100 mmHg

Question 5

SaO2

Answer 5

> 95%

Question 6

Metabolic

Answer 6

HCO3- or bicarbonate

Question 7

Respiratory

Answer 7

CO2 or carbon dioxide

Question 8

Acidosis

Answer 8

Acidosis is caused by an overproduction of acid that builds up in the blood or an excessive loss of bicarbonate from the blood (metabolic acidosis) or by a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood that results from poor lung function or depressed breathing (respiratory acidosis).

Hyperventilate as a compensatory mechanism

Question 9

Alkalosis

Answer 9

Alkalosis is excessive blood alkalinity caused by an overabundance of bicarbonate in the blood or a loss of acid from the blood (metabolic alkalosis), or by a low level of carbon dioxide in the blood that results from rapid or deep breathing (respiratory alkalosis).

Hypoventilate as a compensatory mechanism

Question 10

The lungs and acid-base balance

Answer 10

During acidosis, the respiratory rate and depth increase in an attempt to “blow-off” acids. During alkalosis, the respiratory rate and depth decrease; CO2 is retained to neutralize and decrease the strength of excess bicarbonate

Compensation can resolve in a matter of a 30-60 seconds

Question 11

The kidneys and acid-base balance

Answer 11

During acidosis, the pH decreases and excess hydrogen ions are secreted into the tubules and combine with buffers for excretion out the ass (all of the base comes out of your ass, resulting in acidosis). Kussmaul’s respirations (deep, rapid resps) occur as the body tries to compensate.

During alkalosis, the pH increases and excess bicarbonate ions and moves into the tubules, combine with sodium and are excreted in the vomit (all of your acid comes out of your mouth, resulting in alkalosis). Respiratory depth and rate will decrease or the body will hypoventilate as the body tries to compensate.

Question 12

Hyperventilation

Answer 12

A patient who is experiencing respiratory acidosis will have too much acid in the body. Thus, the body will try and compensate by “blowing off” the acid or hyperventilating, which is otherwise known as Kussmaul’s

Question 13

Hypoventilation

Answer 13

A patient who is experiencing alkalosis will have too much bicarbonate in their system. Thus, the body will try and compensate by hypoventilating as the body is trying to conserve the amount of acid left in the body. Thus, the breaths will very slow and deep.