Arterial blood gas interpretation: pH, PaCO2, HCO3, and PaO2 patterns for acid-base disorders tested on the NBRC TMC exam.
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- Normal ABG pH range
- 7.35 to 7.45
- Normal PaCO2 range on ABG
- 35 to 45 mmHg
- Normal HCO3 range on ABG
- 22 to 26 mEq/L
- Normal PaO2 range on room air at sea level
- 80 to 100 mmHg
- A pH below 7.35 indicates
- Acidosis
- A pH above 7.45 indicates
- Alkalosis
- PaCO2 above 45 mmHg with an acidotic pH indicates
- Respiratory acidosis
- PaCO2 below 35 mmHg with an alkalotic pH indicates
- Respiratory alkalosis
- HCO3 below 22 mEq/L with an acidotic pH indicates
- Metabolic acidosis
- HCO3 above 26 mEq/L with an alkalotic pH indicates
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Primary mechanism causing respiratory acidosis
- Alveolar hypoventilation causing CO2 retention
- Primary mechanism causing respiratory alkalosis
- Alveolar hyperventilation causing excess CO2 elimination
- A common cause of metabolic acidosis
- Diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis
- A common cause of metabolic alkalosis
- Prolonged vomiting or diuretic therapy
- How the kidneys compensate for chronic respiratory acidosis
- By retaining bicarbonate
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