ABG Practice Questions Flashcards

Acid-Base Balance Interpretations

• pH indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the blood; normal range is typically 7.35-7.45.
• Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) reflects respiratory function; normal range is about 35-45 mmHg.
• Partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) and oxygen saturation (O2Sat) measure oxygen levels in the blood; normal PO2 is 75-100 mmHg and O2Sat is 95-100%.
• Bicarbonate (HCO3) is a metabolic component; normal range is 22-26 mEq/L.

Uncompensated Respiratory Conditions

• Respiratory Alkalosis:
  • pH 7.52, PCO2 31 mmHg, hypoxemia with PO2 60 mmHg.
• Respiratory Acidosis:
  • pH 7.28, PCO2 52 mmHg, hypoxemia with PO2 55 mmHg.

Uncompensated Metabolic Conditions

• Metabolic Alkalosis:
  • pH 7.48, HCO3 38 mEq/L, PCO2 normal at 37 mmHg.
• Metabolic Acidosis:
  • pH 7.22, HCO3 19 mEq/L, PCO2 normal at 41 mmHg.

Partially Compensated Conditions

• Respiratory Alkalosis with Hypoxemia:
  • pH 7.46, PCO2 26 mmHg, hypoxemia with PO2 63 mmHg, HCO3 low at 14 mEq/L.
• Respiratory Acidosis:
  • pH 7.33, PCO2 56 mmHg, PO2 83 mmHg, HCO3 slightly elevated at 29 mEq/L.
• Metabolic Alkalosis with Hypoxemia:
  • pH 7.56, PCO2 48 mmHg, hypoxemia with PO2 71 mmHg, HCO3 elevated at 29 mEq/L.
• Metabolic Acidosis:
  • pH 7.14, PCO2 25 mmHg, PO2 97 mmHg, low HCO3 at 13 mEq/L.

Fully Compensated Conditions

• Respiratory Alkalosis:
  • pH 7.43, PCO2 32 mmHg, PO2 92 mmHg, HCO3 20 mEq/L.
• Respiratory Acidosis with Hypoxemia:
  • pH 7.36, PCO2 49 mmHg, hypoxemia with PO2 67 mmHg, HCO3 high at 30 mEq/L.
• Metabolic Alkalosis with Hypoxemia:
  • pH 7.41, PCO2 47 mmHg, hypoxemia with PO2 75 mmHg, HCO3 at 28 mEq/L.
• Metabolic Acidosis:
  • pH 7.39, PCO2 27 mmHg, PO2 84 mmHg, HCO3 low at 16 mEq/L.