ABG Interpretation Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on Nurse Sarah's ABG interpretation guide, covering terminology, lab values, and methods for analyzing arterial blood gases.} Ready-base imbalance definitions.}.

Acid

A material that, once broken down in a solution, creates hydrogen ions ($H^+$). Examples in the body include carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, and hydrogen ions.

Acidosis

Conditions that cause high acid production in the body, which decreases the blood pH to less than $7.35$.

Alkalosis

Conditions that cause low acid or high base production in the body, which increases the blood pH to more than $7.45$.

Arterial blood gas (ABG)

A blood test collected from an artery that assesses oxygenation and acid-base status of a patient.

Base

A material that, once broken down in a solution, neutralizes acids by binding with hydrogen ions ($H^+$). Bicarbonate ($HCO_3^-$) is an example in the body.

Bradypnea

A respiratory rate of less than $12\text{ breaths per minute}$ in an adult.

Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)

An acid that is a waste product from metabolism and represents the respiratory system.

Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate Buffer System

A buffer system that performs a "balancing act" in seconds to help keep the $20:1$ ratio of bases vs. acids.

$$HCO_3^-$$

A base that neutralizes acids and represents the renal (metabolic) system, with a normal range of $22-26\,mEq/L$.

Hydrogen ions

Acids that are the end result of the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbs.

Hyperkalemia

A high potassium level in the blood that is greater than $5\,mEq/L$.

Hypokalemia

A low potassium level in the blood that is less than $3.5\,mEq/L$.

Kussmaul's breathing

Deep, fast breathing that helps exhale carbon dioxide, often observed during metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis

An increase of acids in the body that results in a low blood pH ($<7.35$) and a low bicarbonate level ($<22\,mEq/L$).

Metabolic alkalosis

A decrease of acids or increase of bicarbonate in the body that results in a high blood pH ($>7.45$) and high bicarbonate level ($>26\,mEq/L$).

Modified Allen test

A test performed before ABG sampling of the radial artery to assess collateral blood flow to the hand via the ulnar artery.

$$PaCO_2$$

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, measuring respiratory status with a normal range of $35-45\,mmHg$.

$$PaO_2$$

Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood that measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, with a normal range of $80-100\,mmHg$.

pH (potential of hydrogen)

Measure of the acidity of the blood by assessing hydrogen ion ($H^+$) concentration, with a normal range of $7.35-7.45$.

Respiratory acidosis

Decreased lung ventilation resulting in high carbon dioxide levels ($>45\,mmHg$) and a low blood pH ($<7.35$).

Respiratory alkalosis

Increased lung ventilation resulting in low carbon dioxide levels ($<35\,mmHg$) and a high blood pH ($>7.45$).

R.O.M.E. method

A mnemonic for ABG interpretation meaning "Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal," describing the relationship between pH and $PaCO_2$ or $HCO_3^-$.

$$SaO_2$$

Saturation of oxygen in arterial blood measuring the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites bound with oxygen, with a normal range of $> 95\%$.

Tachypnea

A respiratory rate greater than $20\text{ breaths per minute}$ in an adult.

Tic-tac-toe method

A method used to solve ABG problems where a vertical three-in-a-row determines the acid-base imbalance (Respiratory vs. Metabolic).

Hypoxemia

A low oxygen level in the blood defined by a $PaO_2$ less than $80\,mmHg$.

Carbonic acid ($H_2CO_3$)

A weak acid formed in the bloodstream when carbon dioxide bonds with water ($H_2O$).

Acetazolamide (Diamox)

A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and diuretic that reduces the reabsorption of bicarbonate to help excrete it via urine.

Uncompensated ABG

An acid-base imbalance where the pH is abnormal and the system not responsible for the imbalance remains within normal range.

Partial Compensation

Occurs when the pH is still abnormal but the system not responsible for the imbalance has moved outside its normal range to try and correct the pH.

Full Compensation

Identified when the blood pH has returned to the normal range ($7.35-7.45$) due to the actions of the opposite system.