EasyMed: Simplifying Blood Gases with the Tic-Tac-Toe Method

Introduction

• EasyMed YouTube channel offers quick, easy episodes on medical topics.
• Focus on making content easy to learn using mnemonics and strategies.
• The episode focuses on simplifying blood gases using the tic-tac-toe method.

Normal Blood Gas Values

• pH: 7.35 - 7.45
• CO2: 35 - 45
  • Easy to remember since decimals in pH match CO2 range.
• Bicarbonate (HCO3-): 22 - 26

Analyzing Blood Gases

• Determine three main components:
  • Acid or base?
  • Metabolic or respiratory?
  • Is there compensation present?

Tic-Tac-Toe Method for Blood Gases

Setup

1. Draw a tic-tac-toe board.
2. Label columns as Acid, Normal, Base.

Step-by-step Application

• pH:
  • < 7.35: Acidosis

  • 7.45: Alkalosis

• CO2 is an acid.
• Bicarbonate (HCO3-) is a base.

Example 1: Metabolic Alkalosis without Compensation

1. pH = >7.45, place under Base.
2. CO2 = Normal (41), place under Normal.
3. Bicarbonate = 32, place under Base.
4. Circle tic-tac-toe vertically or horizontally (not diagonally).
5. Circle indicates Metabolic Alkalosis (Bicarbonate is metabolic).
6. No compensation as CO2 is normal.

Example 2: Respiratory Acidosis with Compensation

1. pH = <7.35, place under Acid.
2. CO2 = 65, place under Acid.
3. Bicarbonate = 30, place under Base.
4. Circle indicates Respiratory Acidosis (CO2 is respiratory).
5. Bicarbonate is not normal, indicating compensation.

Conclusion

• Tic-Tac-Toe method helps simplify blood gases.
• Encourages viewers to subscribe to EasyMed for more content.
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Additional Resources

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