ABG Objectives

Course Objectives

The goal of this program is to provide nurses, and other health professionals, with information about ABG interpretation, basic theory and practical applications of oxygenation, ventilation and acid-base balance.

Upon completion of this program you should be able to:

Recognize normal values for pH, PaO2, PaCO2, SaO2 and HCO3.
Explain significance of these values.
Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried in the body and how they are measured.
Relate the pH scale to acidosis and alkalosis.
Discuss the respiratory and metabolic mechanisms and their role in controlling the body's acid-base balance.
Interpret basic arterial blood gas values and relate these values to patient conditions.
Suggest therapies for acid-base correction.
Be aware of other resources for in-depth ABG interpretation information.