ABGs

Question 1

Metabolic acidosis is caused by…

Answer 1

An excess of H+ions

Usually as a result of disease - eg. Sepsis, renal failure

Question 2

In metabolic acidosis you will see…

Answer 2

A reduced pH
Rapid breathing (Tachypnoea)
Reduced CO2
A reduced HCO3

Question 3

Respiratory Acidosis is caused by…

Answer 3

An excess of CO2 usually due to a lung disease

Question 4

Acute respiratory Acidosis sees a….

What’s the only difference in chronic respiratory Acidosis?

Answer 4

A reduced pH
An increased CO2
Little/no change in HCO3

HCO3 is high (has had time to build up)

Question 5

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when

Answer 5

There is a loss of H+ ions leaving an alkali surplus

Question 6

Common cause of metabolic alkalosis?

Answer 6

Vomiting (loss of stomach acid)

Question 7

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when

Answer 7

There is a loss of CO2 resulting in low levels of acid

Note - usually arises due to hyperventilation seen in anxiety, pain or early stage sepsis

Question 8

In respiratory alkalosis we see…

Answer 8

An elevated pH
Low CO2
Little/no change in HCO3

Question 9

In metabolic alkalosis we see…

Answer 9

An elevated pH

A marginal increase in CO2

Question 10

REMEMBER!

If pH is low - Acidosis
If pH is high - alkalosis

If CO2 is low…

Answer 10

If CO2 is low in Acidosis = metabolic

If CO2 is low in Alkalosis = respiratory