Understanding the ABG

Cards (14)

  • Respiratory Acidosis
    pH is less than 7.35 with PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg
  • Acidosis
    accumulation of CO2 which combines with water in the body to produce carbonic acid, thus lowering the pH of the blood
  • Causes of Respiratory Acidosis
    • COPD
    • Cystic Fibrosis
    • Airway Obstruction
    • Spinal Cord Injury
    • Depressant drugs
    • Inadequate Mechanical Ventilation
  • Respiratory Alkalosis
    pH is greater than 7.35 with PaCO2 less than 45 mmHg
  • Alkalosis
    due to excessive wash of CO2 thus increasing pH of the blood
  • Causes of Respiratory Alkalosis
    • Severe anemia
    • Pneumonia
    • Shock
  • Metabolic Acidosis
    pH is less than 7.35 with a HCO3 less than 22 mEq/L
  • Acidosis
    due to any disorder that will lead to tissue hypoperfusion, which will eventually lead to lactic acid production
  • Causes of Metabolic Acidosis
    • Diarrhea
    • Hyperkalemia
  • Metabolic Alkalosis
    pH is greater than 7.35 with HCO3 greater than 26 mEq/L
  • Alkalosis
    due to excessive acid loss or HCO3 retention
  • Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis
    • Repeated vomiting
    • Hypokalemia
  • Arterial Blood Gases
  • Arterial Blood Gas Analysis