ABG Interpretation In 4 Easy Steps

ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases) Interpretation In 4 Easy Steps
First of All, You Should Know Few Normal Values –
pH = 7.35 – 7.45 [ Perfect pH = 7.40 ]
pCO₂ = 35 –  45 [ CO₂  = Acid ]
HCO₃ = 22 – 26 [ HCO₃  =  alkali ]
pO₂ = 80 – 100
Now Interpretation of ABGs In 4 Easy Steps-
1. Label The pH
< 7.40  Acidosis
> 7.40  Alkalosis
2. Look At The pCO₂ & HCO₃
High pCO₂  Respiratory Acidosis
Low pCO₂  Respiratory Alkalosis
High HCO₃  Metabolic Alkalosis
Low HCO₃  Metabolic Acidosis
3. Look At The pCO₂ & HCO₃ together as a pair
BOTH ARE OUTSIDE THE NORMAL RANGE & MOVING IN THE SAME DIRECTION : COMPENSATION
pH = 7.35 – 7.45  Fully Compensated
pH = Not in Normal range  Partially Compensated
4. Look at the pO₂
< 80  Hypoxia
ABG-interpretation-in-4-easy-steps

Q. A 57 year smoker presents to emergency with breathlessness and altered sensorium. His ABG analysis shows pH of 7.26 , pCOof 68 and HCO of 35.
(a) Metabolic Acidosis
(b) Respiratory Acidosis
(c) Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
(d) Respiratory Acidosis with compensatory Metabolic Alkalosis
Ans. (d) Respiratory Acidosis with compensatory Metabolic Alkalosis

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