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ACLS – Arterial Blood Gases Video
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Video at a Glance
- Arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation includes a review of pH, PCO2, HCO3, and PO2.
- The PO2 normal range is 80-100 and indicates the body’s ability to take up oxygen.
- pH indicates the amount of acid in the body, with a lower pH indicating a higher acid level. Normal = 7.35-7.45.
- PCO2 is a respiratory acid with a normal range between 35-45. If the number increases, the result is respiratory acidosis, and if it decreases, it is respiratory alkalosis.
- HCO3, or bicarbonate, is a metabolic base with a normal range of 22-26. If the number increases, metabolic alkalosis develops.
- Compensation occurs when the respiratory or metabolic system attempts to return the pH to normal.
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