NURC 1143Interpretation of the Arterial Blood Gas Summary

Interpretation of the Arterial Blood Gas




Self-Learning Packet
2004


This self-learning packet is approved for 2 contact hours for the following professionals:
1. Registered Nurse
2. Licensed Practical Nurse




Orlando Regional Healthcare, Education & Development  Copyright 2004

, Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation


Table of Contents


Purpose ................................................................................................................... 3

Objectives ................................................................................................................ 3

Instructions.............................................................................................................. 3

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4

Acid-Base Balance..................................................................................................... 4

Acid-Base Disorders .................................................................................................. 5

Components of the Arterial Blood Gas ........................................................................ 8

Steps to an Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation............................................................... 9

Compensation ........................................................................................................ 12

Special Considerations............................................................................................. 18

Summary ............................................................................................................... 19

Glossary................................................................................................................. 20

Posttest ................................................................................................................. 21

Bibliography ........................................................................................................... 25




 Copyright 2004 Orlando Regional Healthcare, Education & Development Page 2

, Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation


Purpose
The purpose of this self-learning packet is to educate patient care providers on the basic
principles of acid-base balance, as well as to provide a systematic approach to the interpretation
of arterial blood gases.
Orlando Regional Healthcare is an Approved Provider of continuing nursing education by
Florida Board of Nursing (Provider No. FBN 2459) and the North Carolina Nurses Association,
an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on
Accreditation (AP 085).



Objectives
After completing this packet, the learner should be able to:
1. Describe the physiology involved in the acid/base balance of the body.
2. Compare the roles of PaO2, pH, PaCO2 and Bicarbonate in maintaining acid/base balance.
3. Review causes and treatments of Respiratory Acidosis, Respiratory Alkalosis, Metabolic
Acidosis and Metabolic Alkalosis.
4. Identify normal arterial blood gas values and interpret the meaning of abnormal values.
5. Interpret the results of various arterial blood gas samples.
6. Identify the relationship between oxygen saturation and PaO2 as it relates to the
oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.
7. Interpret the oxygenation state of a patient using the reported arterial blood gas PaO2 value.


Instructions
In order to receive 2.0 contact hours, you must:
• Complete the posttest at the end of this packet
• Submit the posttest to Education & Development with your payment
• Achieve an 84% on the posttest
Be sure to complete all the information at the top of the answer sheet. You will be notified if
you do not pass, and you will have an opportunity to retake the posttest.




 Copyright 2004 Orlando Regional Healthcare, Education & Development Page 3