ABG analysis

Published

Please help I have been given the following ABG for analysis:

pH 7.10

PaC02 60mmHg

Pa02 50mmHg

BE -5

Bicarb 19mEq/L

Lactate 1.9

due to acid pH and PaC02 Im presuming its respiratory acidosis.

im presuming that there is no compensation because bicarb is low, so maybe its also metabolic acidosis,

or is the body trying so hard to correct pH that more HCO3- being excreted rather than retained?

what does base excess show in this case?

please help, im so confused.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Critical Care, Paramedicine.

It looks like mixed acidosis to me. your ph is acidotic at 7.1, your pCO2 is elevated at 60, and your bicarbonate is low at 19. Another thing to question is how much O2 is your patient on as the PO2 is low as well at 50.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

mixed resp acidosis. very compromised status.

Hoping this patient has room to go up on vent support including FiO2.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Long time ago I made a sketch for me, to learn how ABG interpretation works.

I hope, I translated everything correct.

Perhaps you can use it ...

Dirk

BGA en.jpg
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

That is an amazing diagram, thank you for sharing it with us :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

As a fairly new ICU RN, who happens to have ADHD, I GREATLY appreciate your colorful diagram!!! In nursing school, and even today, I always made colorful diagrams to help me remember the important stuff. You did a wonderful job!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

first, awesome explanation Dirk. Love it.

Secondly, It doesn't matter if the pt. is compensating from a Nurses standpoint. Just recognize acid/akaline and adjust your care accordingly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion