Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) for NCLEX

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts of Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs), including the roles of the lungs and kidneys, compensation, and common causes of imbalance.

pH

The first value to identify in ABGs to determine if the patient is becoming too acidic or too alkaline.

Acid

A state where the body is slowing down.

Alkaline

A state where the body is speeding up.

$$CO_2$$

The acid breathed out by the lungs; holding it makes the body acidic, while blowing it off makes it alkaline.

Respiratory rate change

The clinical event that causes a change in $CO_2$ levels.

$$HCO_3$$

Bicarbonate, which is saved or dumped by the kidneys to help balance the blood.

Metabolic disorder

A type of medical condition usually pointed to by kidney problems.

Compensation

A process where one system tries to help because another system is messing up; it indicates the body is trying, not that the problem is fixed.

COPD

A condition where the patient is holding on to $CO_2$.

Panic attack

A condition where the patient is blowing off too much $CO_2$.

DKA

An abbreviation for a condition where the patient's body is making acids.

Vomiting

A condition resulting in the loss of stomach acid.

Diarrhea

A condition resulting in the loss of bicarb ($HCO_3$).