title: An arterial blood gas interpretation program for hand-held computers.
abstract: Because of its portability, the hand-held computer can be easily used at the bedside to perform mathematical computations and assist with patient care decision making. This paper describes applications software for arterial blood gas interpretation with the hand-held computer. From the arterial blood gas values entered, the program calculates the arterial/alveolar PO2 ratio (a/A PO2), provides an interpretation of oxygenation, a/A PO2, ventilation, and acid-base status, and makes suggestions for therapy. This program can be used for the individualized bedside teaching of students and others with limited experience in arterial blood gas interpretation.
mesh_terms: D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014481:United States