ABG Interpretation Quiz

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ABG interpretation

Analyze the following ABG

pH

7.50

CO₂

56

HCO₃^-

42

Primary problem

or

Metabolic

Respiratory

Combined

Acidosis

Alkalosis

Level of compensation

or

Partial

Full

Compensation

or

Metabolic

Respiratory

Acidosis

Alkalosis

Hint

Partial compensation means that the pH is still abnormal.

Full compensation means that the pH is back to normal.

Hint

The pH is still high, so it is only partially compensated. When the pH is normal, it will be fully compensated.

Hint

If compensation is present, it's always the opposite of the primary problem (acidosis becomes alkalosis, metabolic becomes respiratory, etc.)

Hint

CO₂ is the respiratory component.
HCO₃^- is the metabolic component.

Hint

The pH is high (alkalotic), so the primary problem must be an alkalosis of some sort. What else here is alkalotic?

Hint

For an acidotic pH, the primary problem is acidotic components (CO₂ and/or HCO₃^-). Similarly, alkalotic components are what cause an alkalotic pH.

pH

pH

7.50

7.35-7.45

This pH is high (alkalotic). The other alkalotic piece (HCO₃^- and/or CO₂) is the primary cause.

CO₂

CO₂

56

35-45 mmHg

This CO₂ is high (acidotic). The pH and HCO₃^- are both alkalotic, but the CO₂ is not, so the CO₂ is the compensation.

56 mmHg = 7.4 kPa

HCO₃^-

HCO₃^-

42

22-26 mEq/L

This HCO₃^- is high (alkalotic). The pH and HCO₃^- are both alkalotic, so the HCO₃^- is a primary cause.

© 2007-2022 Adam Weinberger

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mmHg kPa