ABGs

ABGs

1. pH

   • 7.35 - 7.45
     • Acidosis
     • Alkalosis

2. CO2

   • CO2 is an acid. When you have a larger amount of an acid, you are acidic. If you have less of the acid, you are alkalotic
   • 35 - 45
     • CO2 (respiratory) trends mean the opposite of the others. (Higher pH = alkalosis, Higher CO2 = acidosis).
     • Alkalosis
       • Causes: Hyperventilation, Cirrhosis, Pneumonia,
     • Acidosis
       • Causes: Pneumonia, COPD
   • Respiratory

3. HCO3

   • HCO3, otherwise known as Bicarb, is a BASE (alkaline). With a higher number of a base, you are alkaline. With a lower number of a base, you are acidic.
   • 22 - 26
     • HCO3 (metabolic) trends are the same as pH. (Higher pH = Alkalosis, Higher HCO3 = Alkalosis).
     • Acidosis
       • Causes: Shock, Alcoholism, Cushing syndrome,
     • Alkalosis
       • Causes: Over taking calcium carbonate etc. (for heart burn), Diabetes, Aspirin OD, Diarrhea, Chronic starvation
   • Metabolic