How do you interpret a blood gas analysis?
Rules for rapid clinical interpretation of ABG
- Look at pH – < 7.40 – Acidosis; > 7.40 – Alkalosis.
- If pH indicates acidosis, then look at paCO2and HCO3-
- If paCO2is ↑, then it is primary respiratory acidosis.
- If paCO2↓ and HCO3- is also ↓→ primary metabolic acidosis.
- If HCO3-is ↓, then AG should be examined.
What are normal ABG’s?
An acceptable normal range of ABG values of ABG components are the following,[6][7] noting that the range of normal values may vary among laboratories and in different age groups from neonates to geriatrics: pH (7.35-7.45) PaO2 (75-100 mmHg) PaCO2 (35-45 mmHg) HCO3 (22-26 meq/L)
How do you determine ABG values?
- Use pH to determine Acidosis or Alkalosis. ph. < 7.35. 7.35-7.45.
- Use PaCO2 to determine respiratory effect. PaCO2. < 35.
- Assume metabolic cause when respiratory is ruled out. You’ll be right most of the time if you remember this simple table: High pH.
- Use HC03 to verify metabolic effect. Normal HCO3- is 22-26. Please note:
What does a low PaCO2 mean?
An elevated PaCO2 reflects alveolar hypoventilation, whereas a decreased PaCO2 reflects alveolar hyperventilation. Acute changes in PaCO2 will alter the pH. As a general rule, a low pH with a high PaCO2 suggests a respiratory acidosis, while a low pH with a low PaCO2 suggests a metabolic acidosis.
What is the normal range of PaCO2?
Normal Results Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): 38 to 42 mm Hg (5.1 to 5.6 kPa) Arterial blood pH: 7.38 to 7.42.
How do you report ABG results?
Documenting the ABG results in the notes
- Document the time and date that the ABG was performed as this may be significantly different from the time you are documenting.
- Write the indication for the ABG (e.g. hypoxia).
- Document the ABG results and your interpretation of them (see our guide to ABG interpretation):
What is a good PO2 level?
Most healthy adults have a PaO2 within the normal range of 80–100 mmHg. If a PaO2 level is lower than 80 mmHg, it means that a person is not getting enough oxygen . A low PaO2 level can point to an underlying health condition, such as: emphysema.
What does a high PO2 indicate?
PO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) reflects the amount of oxygen gas dissolved in the blood. It primarily measures the effectiveness of the lungs in pulling oxygen into the blood stream from the atmosphere. Elevated pO2 levels are associated with: Increased oxygen levels in the inhaled air.
What does high pCO2 mean?
The primary disturbance of elevated arterial PCO2 is the decreased ratio of arterial bicarbonate to arterial PCO2, which leads to a lowering of the pH. In the presence of alveolar hypoventilation, 2 features commonly are seen are respiratory acidosis and hypercapnia.
Why would PaCO2 be high?
What causes elevated PaCO2?
Several conditions can alter these levels: Obstructive lung diseases such as COPD and asthma2 Central nervous system impairment (including head injuries and drug use) Neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
How can you tell the difference between respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis?
Metabolic acidosis: patients who are acidotic and have a HCO3– <22 (base excess <–2); Respiratory acidosis: patients who are acidotic with a PaCO2 >6; Metabolic alkalosis: patients who are alkalotic with a HCO3– >28 (base excess >+2); Respiratory alkalosis: patients who are alkalotic with a PaCO2 <4.7.
What is a normal pO2 on an ABG?
Oxygen (PO2) This is the partial pressure of oxygen. The normal range is 75-100mmHg. Oxygenation is measured by the the PO2.
How to interpret arterial blood gases (ABG) results using tic-tac-toe technique?
There are eight (8) steps simple steps you need to know if you want to interpret arterial blood gases (ABGs) results using the tic-tac-toe technique. 1. Memorize the normal values. The first step is you need to familiarize yourself with the normal and abnormal ABG values when you review the lab results.
How to interpret ABGs in tic tac toe?
Let’s start playing Tic Tac Toe and learn to interpret ABGs in a fun and easy way. 1. Make sure you memorize the normal values of pH, PaCO2, and HCO3. 2. Prepare your Tic Tac Toe layout. 3. When given the values, analyze the following: 4. Keep in mind the normal values, acidic value, and alkalotic value.
What is the pH of blood in tic tac toe?
Let’s try another problem: blood pH 7.37, PaCO2 33, and HCO3 17…. tic tac toe should look like this: Pull again for your memory bank to analyze the values.
What should my tic tac toe grid look like?
Here is what your tic tac toe grid should look like: Analyze your pH. Ask yourself is it normal, basic, or acidic? Since the pH is greater than 7.45 making it a basic, place it under the base column. Analyze your PCO2.