How To Interpret ABGs

Question 0

pH acidosis is when

Answer 0

Less than 7.35

Question 1

Normal values for pH

Answer 1

7.35 - 7.45

Question 2

pH alkalosis is when

Answer 2

Greater than 7.45

Question 3

Does PaO2 change pH?

Answer 3

No!!

Question 4

Normal values for paO2

Answer 4

80-100 mmHg

Question 5

Normal for PaCO2

Answer 5

35 - 45 mmHg

Question 6

PaCO2 is acidosis when

Answer 6

Greater than 45 mmHg

Question 7

PaCO2 is alkalosis when

Answer 7

Less than 35 mmHg

Question 8

PaCO2 is associated with

Answer 8

Respiratory

Question 9

HCO3 normal ranges

Answer 9

22 - 26 mEq/l

Question 10

Acidosis for HCO3

Answer 10

Less than 22 mEq/l

Question 11

Alkalosis for HCO3

Answer 11

Greater than 26 mEq/l

Question 12

What do you look at first when interpreting an ABG?

Answer 12

The pH value must be classified first.

Question 13

What should you assess second for an ABG?

Answer 13

PaCO2

Question 14

What should you assess third?

Answer 14

HCO3

Question 15

How do you identify the primary disorder?

Answer 15

Look at PaCO2 and HCO3 values. The one that has moved in the same direction as the pH (acidosis or alkalosis) indicates the primary disorder.

Question 16

If the pH is abnormal and ONE other parameter is abnormal, then the situation is

Answer 16

Uncompensated

Question 17

If all of the values are abnormal, then it is

Answer 17

Partially compensated

Question 18

If pH is normal but both PaCO2 and HCO3 are abnormal, then it is

Answer 18

Fully compensated