ABG's Exam Study Guide Solutions

ABG's Exam Study Guide Solutions Elements Measured to determine ABG's - ANSWER-- pH = 7.35 - 7.45 (hydrogen ion concentration) - PaCO2 = 35 - 45 mmHg (partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood) - PaO2 = 80 -100 mmHg (partial pressure of O2 in arterial blood) - HCO3- = 22 to 26 mEq/L (bicarbonate concentration in plasma) - BE = +5 / -5 mEq/L or mmol/L (base excess) ABG's are drawn how? - ANSWER-they are drawn from arterial blood usually from the radial artery What information does blood gas data provide? - ANSWER-- info on our body's acid/base relationship Why is our body's acid/base relationship important? - ANSWER-- This relationship is critical for homeostasis - Significant deviations from normal pH ranges are poorly tolerated and may be life threatening ©EMILLECT 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024 Page 2/13 - Balance is achieved by Respiratory and Renal systems pH and our blood - ANSWER-- The acceptable pH range of our blood is 7.35 - 7.45, which is lightly alkaline. - Relationship of H+ and pH is inverse. the more H+ -- the lower the pH (acidic) the fewer H+ -- Higher pH (alkaline or base) What is the preferred ratio for Base to Acid? - ANSWER-20 (base) to 1 (acid) How does the body regulate the Acid/Base balance? - ANSWER-By increasing or decreasing the acid base levels in the body by producing or limiting production of acids and base substances What type of acids does the body produce? - ANSWER-Body produces basically 2 categories of acids. - Volatile acids (CO2) - Nonvolatile acids (Lactic Acid) What are the buffers that the body produces? - ANSWER-- The main extracellular buffer system is the Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer System ©EMILLECT 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024 Page 3/13 - These buffers are linked to the respiratory and renal compensatory system (LUNGS and KIDNEYS) - Lungs can adjust ventilation in response to CO2 based on carbonic acid in ECF. (quick) - Kidneys can excrete/retain H+ and conserve/ excrete bicarbonate (slow) Acid-base Disorders Fall into 2 Major Categories - ANSWER-- ACIDS: Respiratory Acidosis: Increased CO2 Metabolic Acidosis: Decreased HCO3- - BASES: Respiratory Alkalosis: Decreased CO2 Metabolic Alkalosis: Increased HCO3- How do you know if the acid-base imbalance is Respiratory ? - ANSWER-- Respiratory Disorders -- the primary change is in the concentration of carbonic acid. -- Respiratory Acidosis: PaCO2 is retained. pH 7.35 & PaCO2 45 mmHg -- Respiratory Alkalosis: PaCO2 is "blown off". pH 7,45 & PaCO2 35