Each hemoglobin molecule contains four atoms of iron and therefore can combine with four molecules of oxygen. Interpretation of arterial blood gas article pdf available in indian journal of critical care medicine 142. Arterial blood gas interpretation the purpose of this selfleaming packet is to educate patient care providers on the basic principles of acidbase balance as well as to provide a systematic approach to the interpretation of arterial blood gases. In addition, they provide a vital insight into a patients status that will ultimately influence how a case is. When the ph is normal, it will be fully compensated. The interpretation of arterial blood gases australian. Arterial blood gas abg interpretation is something many medical students find difficult to grasp weve been there.
Oxygen content of blood is affected by level and affinity state of hemoglobin. Arterial blood gas interpretation, abg analysis, rules for rapid abg analysis, anion gap, approach to mixed disorders. These measurements should be considered with the patients clinical features table 1. Weve created this guide, which aims to provide a structured approach to abg interpretation whilst also increasing your understanding of each results relevance. The automated analysers measure the ph and the partial pressures of oxygen pao 2 and carbon dioxide paco 2 in arterial blood. Interpreting abgs arterial blood gases made easy ausmed. Arterial blood gas analysis is an essential part of diagnosing and managing a patients oxygenation status and acidbase balance. Arterial blood gas interpretation demystified physician assistant. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology associated with a patients condition and how it relates to an acidbase imbalance will also be discussed.
This measures just how much blood hb is carrying oxygen compared to the total amount of hb capable of carrying. Arterial blood gases abg can be difficult and confusing to understand at first. Abg quick interpretation parameter acidosis normal alkalosis reflects ph 7. Body will not overcompensate when it comes to acidbase balance so. An abg is the most accurate representation of a patients clinical status and correct interpretation can lead to quicker and more accurate changes in the. Interpreting an arterial blood gas abg is a crucial skill for physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other health care personnel. As pao2 increases, more oxygen diffuses into the red blood cells, where it combines with hemoglobin to form oxyhemoglobin. Interpreting an arterial blood gas abg is a crucial skill for physicians, nurses, respiratory. The main determinants of pao 2 are the inspired oxygen concentration, alveolar gas exchange, and, to a lesser extent, tissue oxygen. Practice rational testing interpreting arterial blood gas. Abg interpretation a guide to understanding abgs geeky. The usefulness of this diagnostic tool is dependent.
Abgs made easy for nurses w tic tac toe method for arterial blood gas interpretation. Arterial blood gas abg analysis is an essential part of diagnosing and managing a patients oxygenation status and acidbase balance. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology associated with a patients condition and. However, its a crucial skill for nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and nursing students to learn. Garima aggarwal resident iind yr department of medicine5th august moderator dr.
Indications, interpretations, and clinical applications m etabolic derangements and respiratory distress are common presenting problems in emergency medicine. Blood gas analysis can give the clinician essential information on the respiratory and metabolic status of a patient. Assess oxygenation arterial oxygen tension pao 2 is the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood. Without knowing them, your patient could easily go. If it outside range, then it is uncompensated or partially compensated.
Acidbase balance overview the ph is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. The pf ratio ratio between the pao 2 and the inspired oxygen concentration expressed as a fraction is a useful guide to the presence and severity of impaired. Interpreting arterial blood gases abgs by michael greenlee for openpediatrics. Orlando regional healthcare is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by. Similar to your so2, however fcohb and fmethb are not included as they are not ca pable of carrying oxygen. Understanding and use of blood gas analysis enables providers to interpret respiratory, circulatory and metabolic disorders. It explains each component in turn followed by clinical examples to work through. The usefulness of this diagnostic tool is dependent on being able to correctly interpret the results.
The most important points when assessing a patient are the history, examination and basic observations. Blood urea nitrogen bun 620 mgdl major nitrogencontaining end product of protein metabolism lactate 4. Although often considered difficult or confusing to interpret due to the abundance of chemistry, with a little practice blood gases become easy and quick to interpret. Website to use for online analysis of blood gas values.
Interpretation of arterial blood gases requires a systematic assessment of. O determination of pao2x pao2 is dependant upon age, fio2, patmy as age the expected pao2ge pao2 109 0. This measures the number of hydrogen ions in your blood, which may indicate conditions such as copd, asthma, pregnancy, diabetic ketoacidosis dka, lung disease, liver disease, or drug use. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to remember how to decipher these important lab results. Interpretation of the arterial blood gas selflearning packet see swift for list of qualifying boards for continuing education hours.
This is a nonfinal version of an article published in final form in. Abg interpretation abg analysis arterial blood gases acidbase balance. Following are the steps one should follow when reading the arterial blood gas and interpreting the values simultaneously. Arterial blood gas abg interpretation for medical students, osces and mrcp paces this section presents how to interpret arterial blood gases. Arterial blood gasses, or abgs, may be among the most complex and confusing parts of nursing practice. Interpretation of arterial blood gases requires a systematic assessment of oxygenation, ph, standard bicarbonate shco 3.
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