![]() ![]() Then when we look at PaCO2, which really represents the respiratory system, if we find that PaCO2 is below 35, so remember PaCO2 should be between 35 and 45. If it is over 7.45, that means we have alkalosis present. If it is under 7.35, that means we have acidosis. ![]() So with the pH, pH should be between 7.35 and 7.45. So we talked in my previous video about the normal ranges of these different components, but let's now go a step further and talk about what it means when they're high or low. The ABG Interpretation video tutorial series is intended to help RN and PN nursing students study for nursing school exams, including the ATI, HESI and NCLEX ▼ Full TranscriptĪs we get into interpreting ABG results, it's going to be really important for you to know the three key components that you need to look at when doing your interpretation and what the significance of higher or lower values means. ABG Interpretation, part 7: Metabolic Alkalosis.ABG Interpretation, part 6: Metabolic Acidosis.ABG Interpretation, part 5: Respiratory Alkalosis.ABG Interpretation, part 4: Respiratory Acidosis.You can learn how to detect compensation in Videos 4-7 of this series. If the metabolic system is causing acidosis or alkalosis, is the respiratory system trying to compensate?Īnd then, if compensation is occurring, you must determine if it's partial compensation or full compensation. If the respiratory system is causing acidosis or alkalosis, is the metabolic system trying to compensate? Once you have determined whether it's the respiratory system or metabolic system behind the acidosis or alkalosis, you then need to determine if the opposite system is compensating. You can learn how to determine this in Videos 4-7 of this series. But if HCO₃ is acidic, the metabolic system is to blame. Is it the respiratory system or the metabolic system causing this alkalosis or acidosis?įor example, in the case of acidosis, if PaCO₂ is acidic, then the respiratory system is to blame. If acidosis or alkalosis is present, you now need to determine which system is to blame. Step 2 - Is the respiratory system or metabolic system to blame? You can already do this step right away with what you've learned so far in this series. pH values under 7.35 indicate acidosis, while pH values over 7.45 indicate alkalosis. Step 1 - Is acidosis or alkalosis present? When you are interpreting ABG results, whether in the classroom, on an exam, at clinicals, or in your nursing practice, you can use this three-step process. But if you do, that would be good news for that patient! Three-step process for ABG interpretation The chance of encountering an ABG interpretation problem with all three of these values within the normal range is pretty small. If, on an exam, you are given ABG results to interpret where the pH, PaCO₂, and HCO₃ are all within the expected ranges, that means the patient has homeostasis. What if pH, PaCO₂, and HCO₃ are within the expected range? HCO₃ greater than 26 mEq/L indicates metabolic alkalosis, which can be caused by excess antacids, vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, OR compensation for respiratory acidosis. HCO₃ under 22 mEq/L indicates metabolic acidosis, which can be caused by DKA, kidney failure, or diarrhea, OR compensation for respiratory alkalosis. On an ABG, the normal range for HCO₃ is between 22 and 26 mEq/L. HCO₃ can be used to represent the metabolic system and its function. HCO₃, also known as bicarbonate, is an important buffer in the blood, regulated by the kidneys. PaCO₂ above 45 mmHg indicates presence of respiratory acidosis due to hypoventilation, OR the respiratory system is compensating for metabolic alkalosis. ![]() PaCO₂ below 35 mmHg indicates presence of respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation OR the respiratory system is compensating for metabolic acidosis. On an ABG, the normal range for PaCO₂ is between 35 and 45 mmHg. PaCO₂ on an ABG is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood, and can be used to represent the respiratory system and its function. On an ABG, the normal range is between 7.35 and 7.45. ![]() pH measures hydrogen ion concentration in the blood. PH on an ABG is a measure of how acidic or basic the blood is, which indicates whether acidosis or alkalosis is present. The three key components in ABG results are pH, PaCO₂, and bicarbonate (HCO₃). When you are interpreting an ABG result on an exam, the NCLEX, or in your nursing practice, it will be important to know the three key components and the significance of higher or lower values. ![]()
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