Pulmonary: Arterial Blood Gas

Question 1

ABG’s

normal PH

Answer 1

7.35 - 7.45

Acidosis (pH<7.4)
Alkalosis (pH>7.4)

Question 2

ABG’s

Normal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) value

Answer 2

35-45 mmHg

Question 3

ABG’s

Normal partial pressure of oxygen PaO₂

Answer 3

80-100 mmHg

Question 4

ABG’s

Normal bicarbonate concentration HCO₃

Answer 4

22-28 mEq/L

Question 5

ABG’s

Classify the pathophysiological state based on the relationship between pH and PaCO2. If inverse relationship:

Answer 5

respiratory

Direct relationship = METABOLIC

Question 6

ABG’s

IF pH = acid (low) and CO₂ is high →

Answer 6

respiratory acidosis

Question 7

ABG’s

IF pH = acid (low) and CO₂ is low →

Answer 7

metabolic acidosis

Question 8

ABG’s

IF pH = base (high) and CO2 is low →

Answer 8

respiratory alkalosis

Question 9

ABG’s

pH: 7.27
PaCO₂: 36 mmHg
HCO₃: 16 mEq/L

Answer 9

The pH and HCO3- levels are both acidotic, so the primary mechanism is a metabolic acidosis. The CO2 is normal, so there is no indication that the respiratory system is compensating.

Question 10

ABG’s

pH: 7.29
PaCO₂: 43 mmHg
HCO₃: 20 mEq/L

Answer 10

The pH and HCO3 levels are both acidotic, so the primary mechanism is a metabolic acidosis. The CO2 is normal, so there is no indication that the respiratory system is compensating.