Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation
Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation
(ABG) Arterial Blood Gas Analysis is used to measure the partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2), carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and the pH of an arterial blood sample. Oxygen content (O2CT), oxygen saturation (SaO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) values are also measured. A blood sample for ABG analysis may be drawn by percutaneous arterial puncture from an arterial line.
The ABG analysis is mainly used to evaluate gas exchange in the lungs. It is also used to assess integrity of the ventilatory control system and to determine the acid-bas level of the blood. The ABG analysis is also used for monitoring respiratory therapy (again by evaluating the gas exchange in the lungs).
Nursing considerations:
Your first look at an ABG result might prove to be confusing. Any patient who is critically ill might be given this test at regular intervals. Arterial blood gas determinations will indicate two basic bodily functions:
1. acid-base balance of the blood
2. oxygenation status of the blood
ABG's will also indicate other important facts about a patient's status. However, the two functions above are the most important.
In a clinical situation, most nurses need only to understand these two basic concepts. When the results of an ABG are abnormal, most hospitals today will have a lab procedure for notification of the MD or to the ICU staff. But if you should be one of those "lucky" nurses who is floated to a critical care area or a respiratory care area, you may have to interpret the results by yourself. If you are able to do this, and fast, it may mean that the patient will get help fast.
Hypoxemia, acidemia, and alkalemia are important concepts which should be understood before beginning.
Hypoxemia is a term which refers to a lowered blood oxygen content. This term and the term hypoxia are probably quite familiar to most nurses. They both will be used as meaning exactly the same. Hypoxia is the basis of one part of interpretation process. From above, we know
(ABG) Arterial Blood Gas Analysis is used to measure the partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2), carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and the pH of an arterial blood sample. Oxygen content (O2CT), oxygen saturation (SaO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) values are also measured. A blood sample for ABG analysis may be drawn by percutaneous arterial puncture from an arterial line.
The ABG analysis is mainly used to evaluate gas exchange in the lungs. It is also used to assess integrity of the ventilatory control system and to determine the acid-bas level of the blood. The ABG analysis is also used for monitoring respiratory therapy (again by evaluating the gas exchange in the lungs).
Nursing considerations:
Your first look at an ABG result might prove to be confusing. Any patient who is critically ill might be given this test at regular intervals. Arterial blood gas determinations will indicate two basic bodily functions:
1. acid-base balance of the blood
2. oxygenation status of the blood
ABG's will also indicate other important facts about a patient's status. However, the two functions above are the most important.
In a clinical situation, most nurses need only to understand these two basic concepts. When the results of an ABG are abnormal, most hospitals today will have a lab procedure for notification of the MD or to the ICU staff. But if you should be one of those "lucky" nurses who is floated to a critical care area or a respiratory care area, you may have to interpret the results by yourself. If you are able to do this, and fast, it may mean that the patient will get help fast.
Hypoxemia, acidemia, and alkalemia are important concepts which should be understood before beginning.
Hypoxemia is a term which refers to a lowered blood oxygen content. This term and the term hypoxia are probably quite familiar to most nurses. They both will be used as meaning exactly the same. Hypoxia is the basis of one part of interpretation process. From above, we know