Understanding Arterial Blood Gas Problems

Aug 7, 2024

Notes on Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Problems

Introduction

  • Presenter: Sarah from Registered Nurse Orion
  • Topic: Solving arterial blood gas problems using the Tic-Tac-Toe method
  • Previous video covered setup, normal lab values, and Tic-Tac-Toe method basics
  • Recommended to check the previous video for foundational understanding
  • Visit the website for quizzes to test knowledge on ABGs

Normal Lab Values for ABGs

  • pH Levels: 7.35 to 7.45
    • Below 7.35 = Acidosis
    • Above 7.45 = Alkalosis
  • Paco2 (Respiratory Levels): 35 to 45 mmHg
    • Above 45 = Acidosis
    • Below 35 = Alkalosis
  • HCO3 (Metabolic Levels): 22 to 26 mEq/L
    • Below 22 = Acidosis
    • Above 26 = Alkalosis

Example Problems

Problem 1

  • Values: pH 7.53, Paco2 23, HCO3 18
  • Tic-Tac-Toe Setup: Acid | Normal | Base
    • pH = Base (Alkalotic)
    • Paco2 = Base (Alkalotic)
    • HCO3 = Acid
  • Interpretation:
    • Problem: Respiratory
    • Condition: Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated

Problem 2

  • Values: pH 7.20, Paco2 38, HCO3 17
  • Tic-Tac-Toe Setup: Acid | Normal | Base
    • pH = Acid
    • Paco2 = Normal
    • HCO3 = Acid
  • Interpretation:
    • Problem: Metabolic
    • Condition: Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated

Problem 3

  • Values: pH 7.48, Paco2 42, HCO3 35
  • Tic-Tac-Toe Setup: Acid | Normal | Base
    • pH = Base (Alkalotic)
    • Paco2 = Normal
    • HCO3 = Base (Alkalotic)
  • Interpretation:
    • Problem: Metabolic
    • Condition: Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated

Problem 4

  • Values: pH 7.21, Paco2 50, HCO3 28
  • Tic-Tac-Toe Setup: Acid | Normal | Base
    • pH = Acid
    • Paco2 = Acid
    • HCO3 = Base
  • Interpretation:
    • Problem: Respiratory
    • Condition: Respiratory acidosis, partially compensated

Problem 5

  • Values: pH 7.50, Paco2 47, HCO3 27
  • Tic-Tac-Toe Setup: Acid | Normal | Base
    • pH = Base (Alkalotic)
    • Paco2 = Acid
    • HCO3 = Base (Alkalotic)
  • Interpretation:
    • Problem: Metabolic
    • Condition: Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated

Conclusion

  • Importance of understanding how to interpret ABG results using the Tic-Tac-Toe method
  • Encouraged to visit the website for quizzes on ABGs and other nursing topics
  • Thank you for watching!