ABGs

Question 1

Values for pH

Answer 1

7.35-7.45
Acidic - alkaline

Question 2

Range for PaCo2

Answer 2

35 - 45
Alkaline - acidic

Question 3

Range for HCO3

Answer 3

22 - 26
Acidic - alkaline

Question 4

If the PaCo2 is out of range it is? (Metabolic or respiratory)

Answer 4

Respiratory

Question 5

If the HCO3 is out of range it is? (Metabolic or respiratory)

Answer 5

Metabolic

Question 6

What regulates bicarbonate in the ECF

Answer 6

Kidneys

Question 7

With acidosis, what may occur as potassium shifts out of cells

Answer 7

Hyperkalemia

Question 8

Metabolic acidosis

Answer 8

HCO3 is low

Question 9

Reasons for metabolic acidosis

Answer 9

Salicylate poisoning, renal failure, propylene glycol toxicity, DKA, starvation

Question 10

Symptoms of metabolic acidosis

Answer 10

Headache, confusion, drowsiness, increase RR and depth, decreased BP, decreased cardiac output, dysrhythmias, shock
(If decrease is slow, patient may be asymptomatic until bicarbonate is 15 or less)

Question 11

Hypokalemia is associated with

Answer 11

Alkalosis

Question 12

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer 12

Bicarbonate is greater than 26

Question 13

Reasons for metabolic alkalosis

Answer 13

Vomiting, gastric suction, medications like long term diuretic use, hyperaldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome, Hypokalemia

Question 14

Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis

Answer 14

symptoms related to decreased calcium, respiratory depression, tachycardia, symptoms of hypokalemia, tingling of toes, fingers, dizziness and tetany, ECG changed, decreased GI motility

Question 15

Respiratory acidosis

Answer 15

PaCO2 is greater than 42

Question 16

Reasons for respiratory acidosis

Answer 16

Pulmonary edema, overdose, atelectasis, pneumothorax, severe obesity, pneumonia, COPD, muscular dystrophy, MS, myasthenia gravis

Question 17

Symptoms of respiratory acidosis

Answer 17

With chronic respiratory acidosis, body may compensate, may be asymptomatic. With acute respiratory acidosis may see sudden increased pulse, respiratory.
rate, and BP; mental changes; feeling of fullness in head (intracranial pressure) and increased conjunctival vessels.

Question 18

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 18

PaCO2 less than 35

Question 19

Reasons for respiratory alkalosis

Answer 19

Always due to hyperventilation.
extreme anxiety, panic disorder, hypoxemia, salicylate intoxication, gram-negative sepsis, inappropriate ventilator settings

Question 20

Symptoms of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 20

lightheadedness, inability to concentrate, numbness and tingling in extremities, tachycardia, and ventricular and atrial arrhythmias

Question 21

Fully compensated

Answer 21

pH is normal

Question 22

Partially compensated

Answer 22

all three values are abnormal

Question 23

Uncompensated

Answer 23

is PaCO2 or HCO3 are normal and the other is abnormal