ABGs Flashcards
ABGs measure arterial (5 things)
pH
pO2
pCO2
bicarb
O2 sat
primary buffer system of the body
carbonic acid/bicarbonate system
in the carbonic acid/bicarbonate system, CO2 is regulated by the
lungs
in the carbonic acid/bicarbonate system, bicarb is regulated by the
kidneys
equation of life
HCO3 + H+ → ← H2CO3 →← CO2 + H2O
lungs release CO2 → increased blood CO2 =
respiratory acidosis
decreased blood CO2 levels =
respiratory alkalosis
kidneys increase blood bicarb =
metabolic alkalosis
kidneys decrease blood bicarb =
metabolic acidosis
ABGs are ordered for
critically ill pt
ventilate pt
normal pH
7.36-7.44
normal pCO2
35-45 mmHg
pCO2 gives you information about
lung function → CO2 excretion
elevated pCO2 implies
inadequate ventilation
normal blood carriage of pCO2 in plasma
10%
what % of pCO2 is in RBC
90%
where does the equation of life occur
kidneys
RBC
lungs
mainly kidneys and RBC
which has higher pCO2 - arteries or veins
veins
venous blood takes the CO2 to the periphery
normal pO2 range
80-100 mmHg
levels < __ suggest significant reduction in hgb sat and impaired O2 delivery
60
is pO2 lower in veinous or arterial blood
lower in venous blood
arteries carry it to periphery
normal bicarb levels
22-26 mEq/L
what is CO2 on an electrolyte panel measuring
venous bicarb
on a lyte panel, __ and
__ mirror one another
venous CO2 and bicarb
negative base excess =
metabolic acidosis
positive base excess =
metabolic alkalosis or compensation to respiratory acidosis
respiratory alkalosis can occur with
hyperventilation
anxiety
overventilation of patients on ventilators