Understanding Arterial Blood Gases

What role do the lungs play in regulating respiratory acidosis?

Which of the following can cause respiratory acidosis?

How do the kidneys contribute to acid-base balance?

What condition can lead to a decrease in arterial blood pH?

What is the normal range for bicarbonate (HCO3) in arterial blood gases?

What is the fastest way to correct respiratory alkalosis?

Which of the following is a cause of respiratory acidosis?

What happens to the pH when there is a decrease in PaCO2?

What condition is primarily caused by increased hydrogen ions or decreased bicarbonate levels?

Which treatment option is appropriate for metabolic alkalosis?

What physiological response happens during metabolic acidosis?

What is a common cause of metabolic alkalosis?

How can the kidneys respond to metabolic acidosis?

What effect does vomiting have on the body's acid-base balance?

In acute respiratory alkalosis, what is the primary compensatory mechanism?

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)

Provides information on lung and kidney function.
Aids in assessing acid-base balance by measuring pH, PCO2, and HCO3 levels.

Acid-Base Balance

Normal ABG values:
- pH: 7.35-7.45
- PCO2: 35-45 mmHg
- HCO3: 22-26 mEq/L

Respiratory Acidosis

Caused by hypoventilation, resulting in CO2 retention.
Conditions include:
- Sedation
- Poor gas exchange (e.g., COPD, pneumonia, CHF)
Increased PaCO2 leads to carbonic acid formation, lowering pH.
Compensatory mechanisms:
- Kidneys excrete H+ and reabsorb HCO3.
- Can take 24-48 hours for full compensation.
Treatment options:
- Hyperventilation
- Intubation
- Reducing narcotic use

Respiratory Alkalosis

Resulting from hyperventilation leading to CO2 loss.
Triggers include anxiety and pain.
Decreased PaCO2 causes increased pH (alkalinity).
Correction mechanisms:
- Kidneys produce more HCO3 through hypoventilation.
Treatment involves:
- Reducing anxiety and controlling pain.

Metabolic Acidosis

Causes include:
- Increased hydrogen ions (H+)
- Decreased HCO3 due to renal failure, DKA, or diarrhea.
Leads to rapid breathing as the body attempts to eliminate CO2.
Brain stimulation results from decreased pH; however, may lead to respiratory fatigue.
Correction by kidneys:
- Excrete more H+ and reabsorb HCO3.
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying problem like reversing DKA or treating diarrhea.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Caused by excessive loss of H+ or increased HCO3.
Common causes:
- Vomiting (loss of H+ from the stomach)
- Antacid use and diuretic administration.
Correction methods:
- Hypoventilation to retain CO2.
- Kidneys excrete HCO3 and retain H+.
Treatment includes:
- Administering antiemetics.
- Decreasing antacid or diuretic use.

ABG Interpretation

pH values:
- < 7.35 indicates acidosis.

This quiz assesses your knowledge of arterial blood gases (ABG) and their significance in evaluating lung and kidney function. Explore how these results indicate respiratory rates and metabolic status. Test your understanding of respiratory physiology through various scenarios and questions.