Welcome to the ABG Tutorial – Welcome to Hansen

A note about pre-requisite learning: A clear understanding of human acid-base physiology is necessary before you begin this learning activity

An introduction to acid-base imbalances will facilitate your understanding of the contents within this tutorial.

Upon completion of this learning activity, you will be able to

orecognize clinical manifestations associated with acid-base imbalances.

omatch pH values with acid-base imbalances.

oselect the correct answer following the review of each case study.

ocompare and contrast the step-wise assessment of determining the acid-base balance of the blood.

oidentify the appropriate etiology of metabolic acidosis/alkalosis and respiratory acidosis/alkalosis.

odifferentiate between compensatory and non-compensatory ABG changes.

Sometimes reading and deciphering Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) can be a challenge! I have provided an interactive online tutorial for your review.

Arterial blood gas values reflect ventilation and acid-base balance. The results include the arterial blood pH (concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood) , partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) dissolved in the arterial plasma, and the concentration of sodium bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood. Our bodies regulate an acid-base balance through a "buffer system." This buffer system neutralizes acids. There are three buffer systems that exist for the maintenance of our acid-base equilibrium: a buffer system in our blood, respiratory system, and renal system.

Some of the common causes of the retention of carbon dioxide (respiratory acidosis) are:pneumonia, drug overdose, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax

Some of the common causes of the respiratory alkalosis are:pain, fever, asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), anxiety, fear, pulmonary embolus

Some of the common causes of a gain of metabolic acids or a loss of base (metabolic acidosis) are:Increased acids: renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, aspirin overdose, anaerobic metabolismLoss of base: diarrhea

Some of the common causes of gain of base or loss of metabolic acids (metabolic alkalosis) are:Gain of base: Increased ingestion of antacids or an excessive administration of sodium bicarbonateLoss of metabolic acids: vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, low potassium and/or chloride levels, diuretics, steroids, increase in aldosterone

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Welcome to the ABG Tutorial - Welcome to Hansen