6 Questions
What is the normal range of pCO2?
35-45 mmHg
What does an increased pCO2 indicate?
Respiratory acidosis
What is the normal pH range?
7.40-7.45
What does a decreased HCO3- indicate?
Metabolic acidosis
What is the normal range of pO2?
75-100 mmHg
What type of acid-base disorder is characterized by a combination of respiratory and metabolic disorders?
Mixed acid-base disorder
Study Notes
Understanding ABG Results
pH Scale
- pH 7.40 is normal (slightly alkalotic)
- pH < 7.40 is acidotic
- pH > 7.40 is alkalotic
pCO2 (Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide)
- Normal range: 35-45 mmHg
- Increased pCO2 indicates respiratory acidosis
- Decreased pCO2 indicates respiratory alkalosis
HCO3- (Bicarbonate)
- Normal range: 22-29 mmol/L
- Increased HCO3- indicates metabolic alkalosis
- Decreased HCO3- indicates metabolic acidosis
pO2 (Partial Pressure of Oxygen)
- Normal range: 75-100 mmHg
- Indicates oxygenation of blood
Interpreting ABG Results
Respiratory Acidosis
- Elevated pCO2 (>45 mmHg)
- pH < 7.40
- Causes: respiratory failure, COPD, pneumonia
Respiratory Alkalosis
- Decreased pCO2 (<35 mmHg)
- pH > 7.40
- Causes: hyperventilation, anxiety, pneumonia
Metabolic Acidosis
- Decreased HCO3- (<22 mmol/L)
- pH < 7.40
- Causes: diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure
Metabolic Alkalosis
- Elevated HCO3- (>29 mmol/L)
- pH > 7.40
- Causes: vomiting, diuretic use, hypokalemia
Mixed Acid-Base Disorders
- Combination of respiratory and metabolic disorders
- Requires careful analysis of ABG results and clinical context
Understanding ABG Results
pH Scale
- pH 7.40 is the normal, slightly alkalotic level
- Acidotic conditions have a pH below 7.40
- Alkalotic conditions have a pH above 7.40
pCO2 (Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide)
- The normal range is 35-45 mmHg
- Increased pCO2 (>45 mmHg) indicates respiratory acidosis
- Decreased pCO2 (<35 mmHg) indicates respiratory alkalosis
HCO3- (Bicarbonate)
- The normal range is 22-29 mmol/L
- Increased HCO3- (>29 mmol/L) indicates metabolic alkalosis
- Decreased HCO3- (<22 mmol/L) indicates metabolic acidosis
pO2 (Partial Pressure of Oxygen)
- The normal range is 75-100 mmHg
- pO2 indicates the level of oxygenation in the blood
Interpreting ABG Results
Respiratory Acidosis
- Characterized by elevated pCO2 (>45 mmHg) and low pH (<7.40)
- Causes include respiratory failure, COPD, and pneumonia
Respiratory Alkalosis
- Characterized by decreased pCO2 (<35 mmHg) and high pH (>7.40)
- Causes include hyperventilation, anxiety, and pneumonia
Metabolic Acidosis
- Characterized by decreased HCO3- (<22 mmol/L) and low pH (<7.40)
- Causes include vomiting, diuretic use, and hypokalemia
Mixed Acid-Base Disorders
- A combination of respiratory and metabolic disorders
- Requires careful analysis of ABG results and clinical context to diagnose
Quiz on interpreting Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) results, including pH, pCO2, HCO3-, and pO2 levels. Learn to identify acidotic and alkalotic conditions.
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