ABG Interpretation Quiz

Acid-Base Balance and Respiratory Care

• Metabolic alkalosis can be caused by various factors, including excessive vomiting, diuretic use, and ingestion of base.
• A pH level of 7.21 in an ABG result indicates a strong need for intervention.
• The primary goal of acid-base homeostasis is to maintain a stable pH level between 7.35 and 7.45.
• The kidnery system is primarily responsible for buffering fixed alkaline.
• In respiratory acidosis, the primary chemical event is the retention of carbon dioxide.
• A blood gas result with low PaCO2, low HCO3-, and an alkaline pH likely indicates respiratory alkalosis.
• The kidney system assists in acid excretion.
• Chloride value is typically disregarded when calculating the anion gap.
• A blood gas result with a pH of 7.10, PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg, and HCO3- of 15 mEq/L indicates respiratory acidosis.
• PaO2 increases by 80-100 mmHg for every 10% rise in FiO2.
• FiO2 indicates the percentage of oxygen in the air mixture delivered to the patient.
• PEEP aims to prevent atelectasis in diagnosed ARDS.

Perfusion and Ventilation

• When the V/Q ratio goes to infinity, perfusion is zero, indicating no blood flow to the lung region.
• When blood flow is low with respect to ventilation, the V/Q ratio decreases.
• During a pulmonary embolism, the lungs are unable to oxygenate blood due to a blockage in the pulmonary artery.
• An increase in ventilation compensates for Shunt in the lungs.
• To compensate for Dead space, alveolar CO2 levels decrease.

Additional Key Facts

• The normal range for Central Venous Pressure (CVP) is 2-6 mmHg.
• A FiO2 of 1.00 indicates 100% oxygen delivered to the patient.
• The normal range for Base Excess (BE) is -2 to 2 mEq/L.
• Properly set PEEP level prevents atelectasis.
• Vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis.
• A PCWP > 25 mm Hg indicates cardiac failure.
• A pH of 7.62, PCO2 of 32 mm Hg, and HCO3– of 29 mEq/L are indicative of metabolic alkalosis.
• The expected BE range in acute respiratory acidosis is -2 to -5 mEq/L.
• The primary acid-base disorder in a patient with a pH of 7.01, PCO2 of 71 mm Hg, and HCO3– of 16.3 mEq/L is respiratory acidosis.
• Oxygen therapy is provided in conditions like V/Q mismatch, diffusion effects, and general hypoventilation to increase PaO2.
• The semi-Fowler's position is most recommended for a patient in the immediate postsurgical period to improve PaO2.
• A PaO2/FIO2 ratio of < 200 mmHg is indicative of ARDS.

Test your knowledge on interpreting arterial blood gas (ABG) results with this quiz. Questions cover pH levels, PCO2, HCO3–, and acid-base diagnoses. Learn about normal range for base excess (BE) and its variations in different acid-base disorders.