Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

Authors:  Gillian Kelly / Editor: Jason M Kendall / Reviewer: Michael Perry, Josh Davison / Code: A2, PP2, R1, R2Published: 19/07/2021

Description:

This session is about the evaluation of arterial blood gases in the emergency department.

After completing this session you will be able to:

  • Explain acid-base balance and the principles of physiological buffering
  • Describe the different types of acid-base derangement and their effects on the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve
  • List the causes of acid-base derangement including problems which affect the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
  • Describe the compensatory mechanisms of acid-base derangement
  • Interpret an arterial blood gas assay

References:

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  5. Christie P Thomas, Metabolic Alkalosis. E-medicine Medscape. Updated: Dec 10, 2020.
  6. Nazir A Lone, Respiratory Acidosis. E-medicine Medscape. Updated: Oct 14, 2020.
  7. Ranjodh Singh Gill, Respiratory Alkalosis. E-medicine Medscape. Updated: Nov 06, 2019.
  8. Walmsley RN, White GH. Mixed Acid-Base Disorders. Clinical Chemistry 1985; 31/2, 321-325.
  9. Rivers E, Nguyen B, Havstad S, et al. Early Goal-Directed Therapy Collaborative Group. Early goal-directed therapy in the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock. N Engl J Med. 2001 Nov 8;345(19):1368-77.
  10. Toxbase Poisons Information. Carbon monoxide.
  11. Light A, Grass C, Pursley D et al. Carboxyhemoglobin Levels in Smokers vs. Non-Smokers in a Smoking Environment Resp Care Journal, October 2007 Open forum abstracts.
  12. Lindsay M. Biga, Sierra Dawson, Amy Harwell, et al. The Respiratory System – 22.5 Transport of Gases, In: Anatomy & Physiology. Oregon State University.

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