ABG INTERPRETATION Flashcard #1

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What is ABG?

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ABG stands for Arterial Blood Gas, a test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the blood's pH.

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What does pH indicate in ABG results?

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pH indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. A normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45.

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What does PaCO2 represent in ABG results?

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PaCO2 represents the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, indicating how well carbon dioxide is being expelled from the body.

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What does HCO3- indicate in ABG results?

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HCO3- indicates the bicarbonate level in the blood, which helps to maintain the body's pH balance.

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What is Respiratory Acidosis?

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Respiratory Acidosis is a condition where the lungs cannot remove enough carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in pH.

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What is Respiratory Alkalosis?

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Respiratory Alkalosis is a condition where the lungs expel too much carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in pH.

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What does Hypoxemia mean?

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Hypoxemia refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood.

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What is the significance of PaO2 in ABG results?

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PaO2 measures the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood, indicating how well oxygen is being transferred to the blood.

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What does 'compensated' mean in ABG interpretation?

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'Compensated' means that the body has made physiological adjustments to counteract an acid-base imbalance.

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What is 'uncompensated' in ABG interpretation?

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'Uncompensated' means that the body has not yet made any adjustments to correct an acid-base imbalance.