Blood Gas Flashcards
1
Q
What does pH in blood gas indicate?
A
The acid-base status:
less that 7.35 = acidosis
greater than 7.45 = alkalosis
2
Q
What does a low pCO2 indicate?
A
respiratory alkalosis - e.g. hyperventilation
3
Q
What does a low HCO3- indicate?
A
Metabolic acidosis - e.g. in sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure.
4
Q
What does low pO2 indicate?
A
hypoxia - due to respiratory failure, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, or high altitude
5
Q
What is base excess/deficit?
A
indicates metabolic contribution to acidosis/alkalosis - helps interpret compensation
