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
pCO2
HCO3

7.29
37.7
19

_____________________

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.45
28
20

_____________________

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.58
76
32

_____________________

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.22
64
19

_____________________

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.35
39
24

_____________________

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.19
34
14

_____________________

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.51
28.5
26.1

_____________________

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.31
58.5
26

_____________________

___________________

Answers:
Normal
pH:
pCO2:
HCO3:

__________
__________
__________

ABG Levels

7.35 7.45
35 - 45
22-26
Acid/Base Imbalance

Causative Clinical Condition

_____________________

___________________

Metabolic acidosis

renal failure, DKA, diarrhea

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.29
37.7
19

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.45
28
20

_____________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.58
76
32

_____________________

___________________

Metabolic Alkalosis

vomiting, NG suctioning, steroids

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.22
64
19

_____________________

___________________

Metabolic/Respiratory Acidosis

(combined)

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.35
39
24

_____________________

___________________

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.19
34
14

_____________________

___________________

Metabolic acidosis

renal failure, DKA, diarrhea

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.51
28.5
26.1

_____________________

___________________

Metabolic/respiratory alkalosis

(combined)

pH
pCO2
HCO3

7.31
58.5
26

_____________________

___________________

Respiratory acidosis

CNS disorder, overdose, pneumonia

Respiratory alkalosis/compensated CHF, PE, fear, pain, asthma

Normal