[JEEMA]

What is the significance of CO2 in the mentioned lab works? What will be the treatment for it?
If pt. is on O2, 2L, no signs of resp distress, saturation above 90's, do i need to inform the MD about it?
Thanks.

[Tweety]

Almost like an ABG it's an indication of acid/base balance. A low CO2 could mean the patient could need some supplmenetal bicarb. Persons with kidney failure often have low CO2s, so it's not always an indiciation of respiratory status but metabolic. A high C02 may prompt the doc to check an ABG.

Minor fluctuations, especially on the high side are not usually treated in the asymptomatic patient. But you should report abnormalities, along with your assessment, but it could possibly wait for MD rounds if it's an AM lab and the doc arrives soon.

[aimeeinorbit]

Originally Posted by JEEMA

What is the significance of CO2 in the mentioned lab works? What will be the treatment for it?
If pt. is on O2, 2L, no signs of resp distress, saturation above 90's, do i need to inform the MD about it?
Thanks.

The way I understand it is that serum CO2 is actually in indirect measure of serum HCO3- since approx 90% of CO2 is present in body and bicarb. Remember that serum CO2 is venous, and PaO2 is arterial. Their ABG is probably fine if the sat is wnl and they arent in distress.

[perfectbluebuildings]

in my (limited) peds floor experience, CO2 has usually been an indicator for the MDs of dehydration, when it is low- metabolic acidosis.

[SueBee RN-BSN]

Now this is nursing! I know the issues nurses face are of great importance. I love it when nurses show their smarts.