ABGs

Question 1

In ABGs, what is a normal anion gap?

Answer 1

Less than 18

Question 2

In ABGs, what is the normal range for HCO3-?

Answer 2

22-26 mmol/L

Question 3

On ABGs, what is a normal PaCO2?

Answer 3

35-45 mmHg

Question 4

What are the four types of problem that would cause a metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap?

Answer 4

DKA, ischaemia/lactate, drugs (eg aspirin, ethanol, methanol), renal failure

Question 5

pH 7.32 = 7.32
pCO2 = 50
HCO3- = 26
Acute or chronic?
Resp or metabolic?
Compensation or not?

Answer 5

Acute respiratory acidosis. No compensation

Question 6

pH = 7.20
pCO2 = 20
HCO3- = 8
Anion gap = 29

Answer 6

Metabolic acidosis

Partially compensated

Question 7

pH = 7.45 
pCO2 = 30
HCO3- = 20

Answer 7

Respiratory alkalosis

Partially compensated

Question 8

pH = 7.32
pCO2 = 50
HCO3- = 26
Resp or metabolic?
Compensation or not?

Answer 8

Respiratory acidosis

No compensation

Question 9

pH = 7.25
pCO2 = 25
HCO3- = 10
Anion gap = 25

Answer 9

Metabolic acidosis with partial compensation

Increased anion gap => DKA, lactate, drugs or renal failure

Question 10

pH = 7.54
pCO2 = 49
HCO3- = 40
Anion gap = 16

Answer 10

Metabolic alkalosis with partial compensation
HCO3- = last 2 digits of pH
CO2 increase of 6 = HCO3- increase of 10

Question 11

pH = 7.50
pCO2 = 25
HCO3- = 22
Anion gap = 15

Answer 11

Respiratory alkalosis

Partially compensated

Question 12

What are the respiratory acidosis “rules”?

Answer 12

For every 10 CO2 rises, HCO3 rises by 1

Question 13

what are the 2 metabolic acidosis rules?

Answer 13

CO2 should be the same as the last 2 digits of the pH

HCO3- + 15 is the same as the last 2 digits of the pH

Question 14

what is metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap due to?

Answer 14

losing bicarbonate

given too much IV fluid

Question 15

What acid base problem will vomiting cause?

Answer 15

Metabolic alkalosis