ABGs and Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
What are the two main organs involved in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body?
The lungs and the kidneys
What is the body’s normal pH?
7.35 - 7.45
What is the normal range for pCO2
35 - 45 mm/Hg
What is the normal range for HCO3 (bicarbonate)?
22 - 26 mEq/L
What is the normal range for pO2?
80 - 100 mm/Hg
What value do the lungs control?
pCO2
What value do the kidneys control?
HCO3
What is the “absolute normal” for pH?
7.40
Is CO2 an acid or a base?
an acid
Is HCO3 an acid or a base?
a base
Is a pH less than 7.35 considered acidosis or alkalosis?
Acidosis
Is a pH higher than 7.45 considered acidosis or alkalosis?
Alkalosis
How do you determine whether is the respiratory system or the metabolic system which is causing the problem?
Look to see which value (CO2 or HCO3) “agrees” with the pH.
How do you determine if the body is compensating for an acid-base imbalance?
If the 3rd value is normal, there is no compensation. If the 3rd value is abnormal, there is compensation.
If CO2 is > 45, is it considered acidosis or alkalosis?
Acidosis
If HCO3 is > 26, is it considered acidosis or alkalosis?
Alkalosis
If CO2 is < 35, is it considered acidosis or alkalosis?
Alkalosis
If HCO3 is < 22, is it considered acidosis or alkalosis?
Acidosis
Which system can compensate quickly and which slowly?
Respiratory responds quickly, metabolic responds slowly.
What is considered no compensation and what is considered partial compensation?
No compensation is when one system remains normal.
Partial compensation is when both systems are abnormal.
What range of pO2 is considered mild hypoxemia?
60 - 80 mm/Hg
What range of pO2 is considered moderate hypoxemia?
40 - 60 mm/Hg
What range of pO2 is considered severe hypoxemia?
< 40 mm/Hg
When is it considered full compensation?
When both CO2 and HCO3 are abnormal (opposite each other) and pH is normal.
