Strategies for interpreting arterial blood gases

Nursing. 2024 Jan 1;54(1):16-21. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000995560.71478.3f.

Abstract

This article provides a step-by-step guide for nurses to interpret arterial blood gas (ABG) results, focusing on five key components: SaO2, PaO2, pH, PaCO2, and HCO3-. It explains how to assess a patient's oxygenation status, compensation levels, and determine if there is an acid-base disturbance and if that disturbance is respiratory or metabolic.

MeSH terms

  • Gases* / blood
  • Hematologic Tests*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Gases