Data Interpretation: Arterial Blood Gas

Question 1

What are the 2 main conclusions to find in ABG interpretation?

Answer 1

If the patient has respiratory acidosis or respiratory alkalosis

If the patient has type 1 or type 2 respiratory failure

Question 2

What is the normal pH range in ABG interpretation?

Answer 2

pH 7.35-7.45

Question 3

Can a patient with respiratory acidosis or alkalosis still have a normal pH value?

Answer 3

Yes, if there is full compensation then the pH will be within normal range but near the range limits

Question 4

What value should you first look at in ABG interpretation?

Answer 4

The pH value

Question 5

In ABG interpretation, which 2 values should you look at after looking at the pH value?

Answer 5

CO2 value and HCO3- value

If patient’s pH is acidotic or alkalotic, these values indicate if its due to respiratory or metabolic causes

Question 6

In ABG interpretation, what is meant by respiratory acidosis?

Answer 6

The pH is normal/acidotic and is driven primarily by a high CO2 level in the blood

Question 7

In ABG interpretation, what is meant by respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 7

The pH is normal/high which is primarily driven by a low CO2 level

Question 8

In ABG interpretation, what is meant by uncompensation, partial or full compensation?

Answer 8

Partial compensation: pH value is not within normal range, secondary component is high

Full compensation: pH value is within normal range, secondary component is high

Uncompensation: pH value is not within normal range, secondary component is normal

Question 9

In ABG interpretation, what is meant by metabolic acidosis?

Answer 9

The pH value is normal/low which is primarily driven by low HCO3- value