What are normal ABG levels for patients with COPD?

[Nuieve]

They need low oxygen level, but how low? How low PaO2 and SaO2 should go down before one decides to intervene?

[eandgsma]

I'm still in school but it's my understanding that it is critical if the PaO2 goes below 60. As for the Sp02, it should not be below 92% and there are sometimes orders to give O2 to keep above 92%. I hope this helps a little.

Anyone else want to chime in with a better explanation?

- N

[TraumaICURN]

COPD patients need a high CO2 level...and a low O2 level. The CO2 is their drive to breath.

[Nuieve]

Ok, PaO2 60, sounds right. Thanks!

[JoniL&DRN]

I had a COPD pt this week her ABG's were as follows: CO2: 71 O2: 79 HCO3: 49.3 pH: 7.45 her sat's were running about 88 or so on 2L (again you don't want them too high or they will stop breathing on you). She was end stage as you can see and she has compensation going on. We were trying to get her to blow off some of that CO2 and turned her O2 off for a bit and she wass satting then at ~79-80% and very anxious as expected. I think if the COPD is long term and not a recent Dx then you will see values similar to those above.