Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) Flashcards
To easily identify acid base concept (37 cards)
What is the main goal of an ABG?
To identify if it’s an acidosis or alkalosis
Rules of the B’s
If pH and BICARB are BOTH in the same direction then it is METABOLIC
Normal pH
7.35-7.45
Normal BICARB
22-26
Normal CO2
35-45
If pH and BICARB are in different direction
RESPIRATORY
Example: low ph, low bicarb
Metabolic acidosis
Ex : high ph, high bicarb
Metabolic Alkalosis
Ex: low ph, high bicarb
Respiratory acidosis
Ex: pH= 7.50, bicarb= 25
Respiratory alkalosis
Basic principle of knowing the signs and symptoms for acidosis and alkalosis
As the pH goes, so goes my patient ( meaning, when pH is high, the s/s of patient is on hyper. When pH is low, the s/s of patient slowly shuts down)
Example of low signs and symptoms during acidosis
Hyporeflexia Bradycardia Bradypnea Lethargy Obtunded (1 step lower than lethargic) Coma Paralytic ileus
Examples of high signs and symptoms during alkalosis
Irritability Hyperreflexia Tachypnea Tachycardia Borborygmi (increased bowel sounds) Seizure Spasm
Medical term for increased bowel sounds
Borborygmi
Acidosis leads to?
Respiratory arrest
When in respiratory arrest, what needs to be at the bedside?
Ambu bag
Alkalosis leads to
Seizure
When in risk of seizure during the phase of alkalosis, what needs to be at the beside?
Suction machine
ABG analysis for Kussmaul Breathing
Metabolic acidosis ( remember: MacKussmaul)
ABG reading: Client over ventilating
Respiratory alkalosis
ABG reading: Client under ventilating
Respiratory acidosis
What is most concerning when identifying respiratory acidosis or alkalosis( under or over ventilating) , is it the Respiratory rate? Or O2 saturation (SaO2)?
SaO2
Ex: patient is overusing breathing techniques during labor
Respiratory alkalosis (over ventilating )
Ex: near drowning
Respiratory acacidosis ( under ventilating)
