ABGs and Compensation

[luv2shopp85]

Does anyone understand the ABG compensation thing? I understand the basic concept of metabolic acidosis and alkalosis and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis. But when there are 3 values given.... Ph, PCO2, and HCO3 and then you have to decide whethere its metabolic or respiratory then acidosis or alkalosis THEN if its compensation or not I get so confused. Can anyone help??

[ortess1971]

Here's some examples from a worksheet we were given to practice with...

PH: 7.45 The Ph is within normal range but is tending towards

PO2: 80 alkalosis. I then look at the CO2- It is higher than normal

PCO2: 60 and the HCO3 is higher than normal as well. Applying the

HCO3: 36 R.O.M.E. trick, you can see than the HCO3, is "Equal," or

moving in the same direction as the PH. This tells you that

this example is metabolic alkalosis. It's compensated

because the PCO2 is abnormal as well. It's fully

compensated because the PH is within normal limit

PH: 7.15 The ph is abnormal(acidotic).The PCO2 is higher than

PO2:88 normal or "opposite" of the PH. This is respiratory acidosis.

PCO2:60 The HCO3 is within normal limits so there is no

HCO3:24 compensation going on.

PH:7.61 This is alkalosis. The PCO2 is lower than normal or

PO2:55 "opposite" of the PH-therefore, this is resp. alkalosis. The

PCO2:22 HCO3 is lower than normal so there is compensation by

HCO3:15 the metabolic system. However, it's only partially

compensated as evidenced by the abnormal PH.

It's difficult at first but then one day it all makes sense. Hope this helps!

[ortess1971]

The R.O.M.E. trick is not liked by everyone-some people do the arrows or seesaws. I happen to like the ROME theory....

[RNinJune2007, RN]

R-respiratory

O-opposite

M-metabolic

E-Equal

if it's resp. the two arrows will be oppositel ... metabolic the arrows will both be up or down. hope this helps