ABGs Flashcards
pH
7.35- 7.45
PaO2
80-100 mmHg
PaCO2
35-45 mmHg
HCO3
21-28 mEq/L
Low pH <7.35
Acidic
High pH >7.45
Akaline
PaCO2
Respiratory
HCO3
Metabolic
PaO2 < 60
Hypoxemia
PaO2 < 40
life threatening emergency
PaO2/FiO2 normal value is
> 300
the lower the number, the worse the lung function
Examples of PaO2/FiO2
(a) PaO2 of 100, divide by FiO2 of 0.5 = 200*
(b) PaO2 of 85, divide by FiO2 of 1.0 = 85*
*low values
Critical values
a) PaO2 < 60 mmHg; <40 is LIFE THREATENING
b) PaCO2 > 50 mmHg
c) pH <7.25 or 7.60
d) SaO2 < 90%
PaCo2 > 50 mmHg
CRITICAL/ BAD
pH <7.25 or 7.60
CRITICAL/BAD
SaO2 < 90%
CRITICAL/BAD
CO2 is always
Acidic
HCO3 is always
base (alkalotic)
Only the ____ can manipulate the CO2
lungs
Only the _____ can manipulate the HCO3
kidneys
Acid Base Mnemonic (ROME)
a) R Respiratory
(1) O Opposite
(a) pH (high) PCO2 (low) Alkalosis
(b) pH (low) PCO2 (high) Acidosis
b) M Metabolic
(1) E Equal
(a) pH (high) HCO3 (high) Alkalosis
(b) pH (low) HCO3 (low) Acidosis
Compensation
1. Mechanisms that normalize the pH when there is acid-base imbalance
a) Kidneys compensate for respiratory abnormality (CO2)
b) Lungs compensate for metabolic abnormality (excrete H+ or
retain HCO3)
Abnormal pH + one abnormal value (PCO2 or HCO3)
Uncompensated
(Abnormal pH + 2 abnormal values (pCO2 and HCO3)
Partial Compensation
