Easy Interpretation of Arterial Blood Gases
Abstract
Acid–base balance disorders could lead to severe complications and sometimes the abnormality may be severe until it becomes a life–threatening risk factor. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis and monitoring is important for symptom diagnosis and oxygen administration for patients. Comprehensive understanding of the acid–base balances is important for the healthcare team to extensively assess the patient and then provide rapid assistance. This could reduce the risk of subsequence complications. However, the understanding and interpretation of ABG could sometimes be confusing and difficult. There are many methods in interpretation of ABGs. Therefore, this article has described a step–by–step ABG interpretation which included 7 steps; 1) oxygenation assessment 2) acidity or alkalinity (pH) assessment 3) assessment of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) 4) assessment of bicarbonate ions concentration(HCO3–)5) Identification of the origin of acid–base disturbance 6) determination of the compensation mechanism and 7) summary of ABG interpretation. The proper application of the concept of acid–base balance in patient care could be useful not only for monitoring of patientsymptom, but also evaluating the effectiveness of patient care.
Keywords: Arterial blood gas, Interpretation of arterial blood gas, Acid–base balance
