ABG Value |
Which step? |
Rationale |
|
pH | 7.39 |
Normal pH | |
PaCO2 | 40 |
Normal PaCO2 | |
Interpretation | Normal ABG (acid base is balanced; there are no pH changes, so if the respiratory acid is normal, the metabolic base cannot be causing changes either.) |
ABG Value |
Which step? |
Rationale |
|
pH | 7.2 |
Low pH indicates acidosis | |
PaCO2 | 50 |
High PaCO2 indicates respiratory cause for acidosis | |
Interpretation | respiratory acidosis |
ABG Value |
Which step? |
Rationale |
|
pH | 7.49 |
High pH indicates alkalosis | |
PaCO2 | 30 |
Low PaCO2 indicates respiratory cause for alkalosis (lo respiratory acid is causing higher pH) | |
Interpretation | respiratory alkalosis |
ABG Value |
Which step? |
Rationale |
|
pH | 7.23 |
Low pH indicates acidosis | |
PaCO2 | 31 |
Low PaCO2 rules out respiratory cause for acidosis, therefore metabolic cause. Low respiratory acid is compensating for lower pH. | |
Interpretation | metabolic acidosis |
ABG Value |
Which step? |
Rationale |
|
pH | 7.48 |
High pH indicates alkalosis | |
PaCO2 | 47 |
High PaC02 and High pH indicates metabolic cause of alkalosis. Respiratory acid is compensating for high pH. | |
Interpretation | Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis |
ABG Value |
Which step? |
Rationale |
|
pH | 7.43 |
pH is normal but higher than 7.4, therefore compensated alkalosis. | |
PaCO2 | 33 |
Low PaCO2 causes alkalosis | |
Interpretation | Compensated respiratory alkalosis |
© RnCeus.com