Arterial Blood Gases

Question 1

Arterial Blood Gas Test

Definition

Answer 1

A test used to measure the amount of arterial gases (O2, CO2) & acidity (pH) of arterial blood

Purpose:
1. Lung ventilation: look at O2 values to determine if the person needs to be intubated - mechanical
2. Acid base balance: outside norms can affect bodily functions - could be life-threatening

Question 2

pH

Answer 2

Normal: 7.35-7.45
< acidic ll alkaline >

A measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in the blood which indicated the alkalinity or acidity of the blood

Question 3

PaCO2

Answer 3

Normal = 35-45 mmHg
< basic ll acidic >

Partial pressire of arterial carbon monoxide

Hypoventilation = INC PaCO2 = respiratory acidosis
- Not expelling enough CO2 > INC CO2 = acidic
Hyperventilation = DEC PaCO2 = respiratory alkalosis
- Breathing fast & expelling too much CO2

Question 4

HCO3

Answer 4

Normal = 22-26 MEq/L
< acidic ll basic >

> 26 = metabolic alkalosis
< 22 = metabolic acidosis

Question 5

PaO2

Answer 5

Partial pressure of arterial O2

Normal = 80-100 mmHg
Mild hypoxemia = 60-80
Moderate hypoxemia = 40-60
Severe hypoxemia = < 40

Hypoxemia - deficit of O2 w/in the blood
Hypoxia - not enough O2 getting to tissues
- Acute S/S: digital clubbing, cyanosis, respiratory distress

Question 6

ABG: Uncompensated

Answer 6

The pH level is abnormal w/ one component (PaCO2 or HCO3) abnormal & the other normal

ONLY one component is abnormal - one has not done enough to make pH return to normal

Question 7

ABG: Partially Compensated

Answer 7

The pH is abnormal with the other components also being abnormal

Everything is ABNORMAL

Question 8

ABG: Compensated

Answer 8

The ph is normal BUT the other components are abnormal

Both components compensated to have pH return to normal