Understanding arterial blood gases.
This article examines acid-base balance and the interpretation of arterial blood gases (ABG). The article begins with a brief revision of related physiology followed by a description of the primary disorders of acid-base balance. The normal ranges and the significance of abnormal ABG results are explored. The article concludes by providing an easy to follow four-step guide to ABG interpretation with practice examples presented in the continuing professional development (CPD) task section.
Queen's University Belfast, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL.
Katherine M A
KM
Rogers
Karen
K
McCutcheon
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000502:physiology*; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration