Acid Base Values

Question 1

pH

Answer 1

7.35-7.45

pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration; it reflects the degree of acidity or alkalinity of an environment.

Question 2

Base excess

Answer 2

(-3)-(+3)

Base excess is a calculated figure which provides an estimate of the metabolic component of the acid-base balance. The base excess is defined as the amount of H+ ions that would be required to return the pH of the blood to 7.35 if the pCO2 were adjusted to normal.
Base excess > +3 = metabolic alkalosis.
Base excess < -3 = metabolic acidosis.

Question 3

H+

Answer 3

36-44 nmol/L

Refers to hydrogen ion (H+) levels.

Question 4

Partial pressure of oxygen (pO2)

Answer 4

75-100 mm Hg

Represents amount of O2 dissolved in each 100 ml of arterial blood.

Question 5

Oxygen saturation

Answer 5

94-100%

O2 values will be lower at altitudes >3,000 ft. elevation.

This is the fraction of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin relative to the total hemoglobin in the blood.

Question 6

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2):

Answer 6

35-45 mm Hg

Range for acid base value of carbon dioxide pressure in bloodstream.

Question 7

Bicarbonate (HCO3):

Answer 7

18-22 mmol/L

Body range of alkaline metabolized product.