ABGs Flashcards
CO2 is a waste product of…
the respiratory system.
CO2 is…
acidic.
Bicarb is the waste product of…
Cellular Metabolism.
When the respiratory or metabolic systems are of out whack the other will try to compensate.
*
Normal PH is…
7.35-7.45
Homeostasis maintains
a delicate balance of acids and bases (alkaline).
PH of less than 7.35 =
Acidosis
Acidosis can be caused by…
too much acid or too little base in bloodstream.
PH of greater than 7.45 =
Alkalosis
Alkalosis can be caused by…
too much alkaline (base) or too little acid in the bloodstream.
What does Carbon Dioxide (CO2) create with combined with water?
Carbonic Acid
Carbon Dioxide is the ___________ evaluator.
Respiratory
Normal Partial Pressure exerted by PaCO2 is…
35-45
As the carbonic acid levels in the blood raise, so does the acidity levels and the PH Lowers.
*
Bicarbonate is the _________ evaluator.
Metabolic
When bicarb levels increase the PH rises and ________________ ______________ develops.
Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic Alkalosis can be caused by
Prolong periods of vomiting or use of diuretics (emesis and urine are acidic).
Decreasing levels of bicarb causes PH to drop and leads to __________ ________.
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis can result from
diarrhea or renal disease.
Alkalosis vs Acidosis
Respiratory = Opposite
Alkalosis: PH is up, PCO2 is down
Acidosis: PH is down, PCO2 is up
(PCO2 = the partial pressure of carbon dioxide)
*
Alkalosis vs Acidosis
Metabolic = Equal
Alkalosis: PH is up, HCO3 is up
Acidosis: PH is down, HCO3 is down
(HCO3 = Bicarbonate)
*
ABG = Arterial Blood Gases what do they do
Measure oxygenation and carbon dioxide levels
Assess ABGs with…
Radial artery, sometimes femoral. Can use aterial line if in place.
ABGs are drawn by
assessing the artery, drawing blood into a hepranized syringe, holding pressure for 5 mins following procedure.
