Arterial Blood Gases-ABGs
What are ABGs?
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ABGs, or Arterial Blood Gases, are a measurement of the body's acid/base balance and oxygenation status.
pH -the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+)
normal pH=7.35-7.45
paCO2 -the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (acid) in the blood, some of which is on its way to the lungs to be "blown off" in respiration. normal paCO2= 35-45 mmHg
HCO3- -or bicarbonate (base, or alkali) is regulated mainly by the kidneys, and is part of the carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffer system.
normal HCO3- =22-26mEq/L
ABGs that inform about oxygenation status
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paO2 -the partial pressure exerted by oxygen in the blood. It affects how much O2 can dissolve in the blood that is destined for transport via the lungs to the tissues.
normal paO2 =75 to 100mmHg
O2 sat -(O2 saturation)-the ratio of the amount of oxygen in the arterial blood to the amount that the hemoglobin......
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