Practice for ABG Interpretation

Interpret the following ABGs and list one physiologic cause for this acid/base imbalance.
Indicate compensation only for those which are fully compensated.

Normal
pH: __________
pCO2: __________
HCO3: __________

ABG Levels Acid/Base Imbalance Causative Clinical Condition

pH 7.29
pCO2 37.7 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 19

pH 7.45
pCO2 28 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 20

pH 7.58
pCO2 76 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 32

pH 7.22
pCO2 64 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 19

pH 7.35
pCO2 39 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 24

pH 7.19
pCO2 34 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 14

pH 7.51
pCO2 28.5 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 26.1

pH 7.31
pCO2 58.5 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 26
Answers:

Normal
pH: __________ 7.35 7.45
pCO2: __________ 35 - 45
HCO3: __________ 22-26

ABG Levels Acid/Base Imbalance Causative Clinical Condition

pH 7.29
pCO2 37.7 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 19 Metabolic acidosis renal failure, DKA, diarrhea

pH 7.45
pCO2 28 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 20 Respiratory alkalosis/compensated CHF, PE, fear, pain, asthma

pH 7.58
pCO2 76 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 32 Metabolic Alkalosis vomiting, NG suctioning, steroids

pH 7.22
pCO2 64 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 19 Metabolic/Respiratory Acidosis (combined)

pH 7.35
pCO2 39 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 24 Normal

pH 7.19
pCO2 34 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 14 Metabolic acidosis renal failure, DKA, diarrhea

pH 7.51
pCO2 28.5 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 26.1 Metabolic/respiratory alkalosis (combined)

pH 7.31
pCO2 58.5 _____________________ ___________________
HCO3 26 Respiratory acidosis CNS disorder, overdose, pneumonia