Arterial Blood Gasses

Question 1

What is the Normal pH range?

Answer 1

7.35 - 7.45

Question 2

What is the normal PaCO2 range?

Answer 2

35 - 45 mmHg

Question 3

What is the normal HCO3 range?

Answer 3

22 - 26 mEq/L

Question 4

What can cause an acidic pH? (< 7.35)

Answer 4

PaCO2 > 45 mmHg
HCO2 < 22 mEq/L

Question 5

What can cause an alkaline pH? (> 7.45)

Answer 5

PaCO2 < 35 mmHg
HCO3 > 26 mEq/L

Question 6

What occurs during Respiratory Acidosis?

Answer 6

Decrease in pH
Increase in PaCO2
No change to HCO3

“ROME” Respiratory Opposite; Metabolic Equal

Question 7

What occurs during Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 7

Increase in pH
Decrease in PaCO2
No change in HCO3

“ROME” Respiratory Opposite; Metabolic Equal

Question 8

What occurs during Metabolic Acidosis?

Answer 8

Decrease in pH
No change in PaCO2
Decrease in HCO3

“ROME” Respiratory Opposite; Metabolic Equal

Question 9

What occurs during Metabolic Alkalosis?

Answer 9

Increase in pH
No change in PaCO2
Increase in HCO3

“ROME” Respiratory Opposite; Metabolic Equal

Question 10

When looking at blood values what interpretation can be assumed when a condition is “partially compensated”

Answer 10

None of the three values are normal