Acid-Base Imbalance
Rasmussen University
Multidimensional care
Acid-Base Imbalance
When interpreting ABG results, it is essential to know what ABG values are considered
‘normal’. From this baseline, you can then begin to recognize significant variations in a patient’s
results, which could indicate clinical deterioration. The first value is the pH, which measures
how many hydrogen ions (H+) are in the sample. This determines if the blood is acidotic or
alkalotic. Normal values for pH range from 7.35 - 7.45. The next value is the carbon dioxide
level, and this will tell you if the problem is respiratory in origin, as CO2 is regulated by the
lungs. The normal range for PaCO2 is 35 to 45 mmHg. Finally, bicarbonate ions, or HCO3-, will
tell you if the problem is related to metabolic changes in your patient and refers to the renal
system. Normal is considered to be from 22 to 26 mmol/L. The patient who was admitted to the
emergency room Arterial blood gas results were pH=7.28, PaCO2-55mm Hg PaO2-70 mm Hg
HCO3- 30mEq/L. All of the patient’s results are well below the normal Arterial blood gas
range. First the patient’s pH levels are 7.28, which falls in alkaline levels. The patient has
respiratory alkalosis. The body compensates for both alkalosis and acidosis mainly through
your lungs. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when you breathe too fast or too deep and carbon
dioxide levels drop too low. This causes the pH of the blood to rise and become too alkaline.
The lungs change the alkalinity of the blood by allowing more or less carbon dioxide to escape
as the patient
breathes. The kidneys also play a role by controlling the elimination of bicarbonate ions. Possible
causes for this imbalance, severe cases of metabolic alkalosis can cause: agitation, disorientation,
seizures, coma. The severe symptoms are most common when the alkalosis is caused by chronic
liver disease. The sign and symptoms that the patient is exhibiting in result to the acid base
Rasmussen University
Multidimensional care
Acid-Base Imbalance
When interpreting ABG results, it is essential to know what ABG values are considered
‘normal’. From this baseline, you can then begin to recognize significant variations in a patient’s
results, which could indicate clinical deterioration. The first value is the pH, which measures
how many hydrogen ions (H+) are in the sample. This determines if the blood is acidotic or
alkalotic. Normal values for pH range from 7.35 - 7.45. The next value is the carbon dioxide
level, and this will tell you if the problem is respiratory in origin, as CO2 is regulated by the
lungs. The normal range for PaCO2 is 35 to 45 mmHg. Finally, bicarbonate ions, or HCO3-, will
tell you if the problem is related to metabolic changes in your patient and refers to the renal
system. Normal is considered to be from 22 to 26 mmol/L. The patient who was admitted to the
emergency room Arterial blood gas results were pH=7.28, PaCO2-55mm Hg PaO2-70 mm Hg
HCO3- 30mEq/L. All of the patient’s results are well below the normal Arterial blood gas
range. First the patient’s pH levels are 7.28, which falls in alkaline levels. The patient has
respiratory alkalosis. The body compensates for both alkalosis and acidosis mainly through
your lungs. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when you breathe too fast or too deep and carbon
dioxide levels drop too low. This causes the pH of the blood to rise and become too alkaline.
The lungs change the alkalinity of the blood by allowing more or less carbon dioxide to escape
as the patient
breathes. The kidneys also play a role by controlling the elimination of bicarbonate ions. Possible
causes for this imbalance, severe cases of metabolic alkalosis can cause: agitation, disorientation,
seizures, coma. The severe symptoms are most common when the alkalosis is caused by chronic
liver disease. The sign and symptoms that the patient is exhibiting in result to the acid base
