ABG interpretation

Front

pH 7.22

PaCO2 29 mmHg

HCO3- 11 mEq/L

Back

pH: Acidosis

PaCO2: alkalosis

HCO3- : acidosis

Interpretation: Metabolic acidosis partially compensated

Front

pH 7.33

PaCO2 54 mmHg

HCO3- 28 mEq/L

Back

pH: Acidosis

PaCO2: Acidosis

HCO3- : Alkalosis

Interpretation: Respiratory acidosis partially compensated

Front

pH 7.48

PaCO2 50 mmHg

HCO3- 36 mEq/L

Back

pH: Alkalosis

PaCO2: Acidosis

HCO3- : Alkalosis

Interpretation: Metabolic alkalosis partially compensated

Front

pH 7.20

PaCO2 64 mmHg

HCO3- 25 mEq/L

Back

pH: Acidosis

PaCO2: Acidosis

HCO3- : Normal

Interpretation: Respiratory acidosis not compensated

Front

pH 7.48

PaCO2 28 mmHg

HCO3- 20 mEq/L

Back

pH: Alkalosis

PaCO2: Alkalosis

HCO3- : Acidosis

Interpretation: Respiratory alkalosis partially compensated

Front

pH 7.23

PaCO2 48 mmHg

HCO3- 19 mEq/L

Back

pH: Acidosis

PaCO2: Acidosis

HCO3- : Acidosis

Interpretation: Combined acidosis

Front

pH 7.37

PaCO2 23 mmHg

HCO3- 13 mEq/L

Back

pH: Normal

PaCO2: Alkalosis

HCO3- : Acidosis

Interpretation: Fully compensated metabolic acidosis

To achieve the low CO2 necessary to bring the pH back toward normal, patients with a metabolic acidosis will breathe hard and fast—for example, Kussmaul breathing in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Front

pH 7.37

PaCO2 65 mmHg

HCO3- 36 mEq/L

Back

pH: Normal

PaCO2: Acidosis

HCO3- : Alkalosis

Interpretation: Fully compensated respiratory acidosis