title: Interpretation of arterial blood gases by nurses.
abstract: Many clinical nurses find the concept of acid/base balance confusing. This article presents a step-by-step approach to arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. In addition, the components of ABGs (pH, PCO2 and HCO3) are presented; metabolic and respiratory abnormalities (acidosis and alkalosis) are discussed in relation to cause and signs and symptoms; the concept of compensation is reviewed; the degrees of compensation are explained; the five steps of ABG analysis are outlined; and practice problems are provided and explained. By using this approach, the nurse can analyze the ABG values confidently and make a wise choice about appropriate nursing actions.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee 32306-3051, USA.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Faria
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000138:Acidosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000451:nursing; D000471:Alkalosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000451:nursing; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*