Question

ABG analysis

William is a newly graduated LPN. He will begin working on a respiratory nursing unit. During his orientation, he will review the results of ABG’s. He will be given 5 sets to practice ABG interpretation. William must determine acid-base balance, and decide whether each client is hypoxic.

B. pH 7.48 PaCO₂   44 mmHg    HCO₃^-  30mEq/L     SaO² 88%      PaO² 70mmHg

Answer 1

ABG is Arterial Blood Gas test that measures amount of oxygen and carbondioxide in the blood and it can be used to analysis the pH of blood. Any change in balance of oxygen, carbondioxide concentration and pH Of blood indicates a medical condition or any diseased condition.

Arterial blood pH , normal value= 7.38 to 7.42

Here given as 7.48 , and it is slightly increased level , it indicates the blood is more basic and has a higher bicarbonate level.

Partial pressure of carbondioxide , normal value = 38 to 42 mmHg

Here given value is 44mmHg, that is higher than normal .

Bicarbonates , normal value = 22 to 28 mEq/L

Given value is 30 mEq/L ,that is also showing as increased.

Oxygen saturation , normal value = 94 to 100 %

Given value is 88% , that is lower than the normal value

Partial pressure of oxygen , normal value is 75 to 100 mmHg

Given value is 70 mm Hg, it is also decreased value.

This patient has a condition known as metabolic alkalosis, it can be due to chronic vomiting, hypovolemia, diuretic use and low blood pottassium. The patient with metabolic alkalosis manifests compensatory hyperventilation. That can cause hypoxia and hypercapnia. So this patient must be hypoxic