Understanding ABG Results

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.