The document outlines the normal values for acid-base balance, specifically the pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 levels, and provides a framework for interpreting arterial blood gases (ABG) results. It details how to identify acidosis or alkalosis, determine the cause (respiratory or metabolic), and assess whether there is compensation present. Additionally, it includes examples of various ABG results with interpretations of their clinical significance.

1. ACID BASE BALANCE

2. Allen’s Test

3. Normal Values
PH – 7.35 – 7.45
PaCO2 – 35 - 45 mmHg
HCO3 – 22 -26 meq/L

4. •Mild Hypoxemia (60-79mmHg)
•Moderate Hypoxemia (40-59mmHg)
•Severe Hypoxemia (less than 40mmHg)

5. The patient has been taken blood samples
for ABG Analysis. As a nurse what will be
your interpretation of the Acid Base and
Balance of the Body if the patient has the
following lab findings:
PH – 7. 32
PCO2 – 50
HCO3 - 30

6. 1. IDENTIFY THE PH
ALKALOSIS – if more than 7.45
ACIDOSIS – if less than 7.35
NormaALKA – 7.41 – 7.45
NormalACI – 7.35 – 7.39

7. PH – 7. 32
PCO2 – 50
HCO3 - 30
acidosis
ACIDOSIS

8. 2. IDENTIFY THE CAUSE
(RESPI / META)
PaCO2
ACI – if more than 45mmHg
ALKA – if less than 35 mmHg
HCO3
ACI – If less than 22
ALKA – if more than 26

9. 2. IDENTIFY THE CAUSE
(RESPI / META)
Identify who has the same state as
the PH and that is the cause.
PaCO2 (RESPIRATORY)
HCO3 (METABOLIC)

10. PH – 7. 32
PCO2 – 50
HCO3 - 30
acidosis
ACIDOSIS
acidosis
alkalosis
RESPIRATORY

11. 3. IDENTIFY IF THERE
IS COMPENSATION
Look at the remaining component:
Uncompensated – normal
Compensated – if opposite

12. PH – 7. 32
PCO2 – 50
HCO3 - 30
acidosis
RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS
acidosis
alkalosis opposite
COMPENSATED

13. 4. IDENTIFY THE TYPE
COMPENSATION
FULLY – if PH is Normal
PARTIALLY – if PH isAbnormal

14. PH – 7. 32
PCO2 – 50
HCO3 - 30
acidosis
RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS
acidosis
alkalosis opposite
COMPENSATED
PARTIALLY COMPENSATED

15. LET’S TEST
YOUR SKILLS

16. PH – 7. 47
PCO2 – 57
HCO3 - 40
METABOLIC ALKALOSIS PARTIALLY COMPENSATED
1. Identify the PH
2. Determine the Cause
3. Identify if there is
compensation
4. Determine the type of
compensation

17. PH – 7. 60
PCO2 – 10
HCO3 - 21
RESIRATORY ALKALOSIS PARTIALLY COMPENSATED
1. Identify the PH
2. Determine the Cause
3. Identify if there is
compensation
4. Determine the type of
compensation

18. PH – 7. 30
PCO2 – 59
HCO3 - 25
RESIRATORY ACIDOSIS UNCOMPENSATED
1. Identify the PH
2. Determine the Cause
3. Identify if there is
compensation
4. Determine the type of
compensation

19. PH – 7. 43
PCO2 – 29
HCO3 - 15
RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS FULLY COMPENSATED
1. Identify the PH
2. Determine the Cause
3. Identify if there is
compensation
4. Determine the type of
compensation

20. PH – 7. 37
PCO2 – 20
HCO3 – 20
METABOLIC ACIDOSIS FULLY COMPENSATED
1. Identify the PH
2. Determine the Cause
3. Identify if there is
compensation
4. Determine the type of
compensation

21. PH – 7. 22
PCO2 – 67
HCO3 – 50
RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS PARTIALLY COMPENSATED

22. PH – 7. 10
PCO2 – 13
HCO3 – 9
METABOLIC ACIDOSIS PARTIALLY COMPENSATED

23. PH – 7. 49
PCO2 – 35
HCO3 – 28
METABOLIC ALKALOSIS UNCOMPENSATED

24. 80 – 100 mmhg – NO HYPOXEMIA
60-79mmHg - MILD HYPOXEMIA
40-59mmHg - MODERATE HYPOXEMIA
<40mmHg - SEVERE HYPOXEMIA

25. PH – 7. 41
PCO2 – 55
HCO3 – 30
O2 - 50
METABOLIC ALKA FULLY COMPENSATED

26. PH – 7. 40
PCO2 – 35
HCO3 – 25
O2 - 89
NORMAL / ACID BASE BALANCE