Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Reference Ranges and Acid-Base Identification

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers normal laboratory reference ranges for arterial blood gases and the physiological compensation rules for acid-base imbalances.

$pH$ Reference Range

$$7.35-7.45$$

$pCO_2$ Reference Range

$$35-45\,mm\,Hg$$

$HCO_3^-$ Reference Range

$$22-26\,mmol\,dm^{-3}$$

Metabolic Acidosis Compensation

Hyperventilation ($\downarrow pCO_2$)

Metabolic Alkalosis Compensation

Hypoventilation ($\uparrow pCO_2$)

Respiratory Acidosis Compensation

Renal retention of $HCO_3^-$

Respiratory Alkalosis Compensation

Renal excretion of $HCO_3^-$

Acidosis ($pH$)

$$pH < 7.35$$

Alkalosis ($pH$)

$$pH > 7.45$$

Respiratory acidosis ($pCO_2$)

High $pCO_2$

Respiratory alkalosis ($pCO_2$)

Low $pCO_2$

Metabolic acidosis ($HCO_3^-$)

Low $HCO_3^-$

Metabolic alkalosis ($HCO_3^-$)

High $HCO_3^-$