Interpreting an arterial blood gas (ABG) is a crucial skill for
physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other health care
personnel. ABG interpretation is especially important in critically ill
patients.
The following six-step process helps ensure a complete interpretation
of every ABG. In addition, you will find tables that list commonly
encountered acid-base disorders.
Many methods exist to guide the interpretation of the ABG. This
discussion does not include some methods, such as analysis of base
excess or Stewart’s strong ion difference. A summary of these techniques
can be found in some of the suggested articles. It is unclear whether
these alternate methods offer clinically important advantages over the
presented approach, which is based on the “anion gap.”
Step 1: Assess the internal consistency of the values using the Henderseon-Hasselbach equation
Step 2: Is there alkalemia or acidemia present?
pH < 7.35 acidemia
pH > 7.45 alkalemiaStep 4: Is there appropriate compensation for the primary disturbance? Usually, compensation does not return the pH to normal (7.35 – 7.45).
Step 5: Calculate the anion gap (if a metabolic acidosis exists)
Step 6: If an increased anion gap is present, assess the relationship between the increase in the anion gap and the decrease in [HCO3-].
Link to Interpretation of Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) by David A. Kaufman, MD:
http://www.thoracic.org/professionals/clinical-resources/critical-care/clinical-education/abgs.php
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