Nclexrn Flashcards: Acid Base Abg Interpretation

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This deck focuses on Acid Base Abg Interpretation, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for Nclexrn.

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Flashcard 1: Identify the disorder: pH $7.50$, $PaCO_2$ $40$ mm Hg, $HCO_3^-$ $30$ mEq/L.

Answer: Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis. High pH with normal PaCO2 and high HCO3- signifies excess base without ventilatory compensation.

Flashcard 2: What is the normal arterial $PaO_2$ range used for ABG interpretation?

Answer: $80$ to $100$ mm Hg. This oxygen partial pressure ensures adequate oxygenation of hemoglobin in arterial blood for tissue delivery.

Flashcard 3: What term describes pH above $7.45$ on an ABG?

Answer: Alkalemia. High pH indicates reduced hydrogen ions, resulting in alkaline blood that may affect neurological function.

Flashcard 4: What is the priority clinical response for metabolic alkalosis caused by prolonged vomiting or NG suction?

Answer: Replace volume and chloride (isotonic saline; consider KCl). Fluid and electrolyte replacement corrects hypovolemia and chloride loss to normalize HCO3- levels.

Flashcard 5: What is the normal arterial blood pH range used for ABG interpretation?

Answer: $7.35$ to $7.45$. This range maintains homeostasis by balancing hydrogen ion concentration in arterial blood for optimal cellular function.

Flashcard 6: Identify the disorder: pH $7.30$, $PaCO_2$ $40$ mm Hg, $HCO_3^-$ $18$ mEq/L.

Answer: Uncompensated metabolic acidosis. Low pH with normal PaCO2 and low HCO3- reflects reduced buffering without respiratory adjustment.

Flashcard 7: What is the normal serum $HCO_3^-$ range used for ABG interpretation?

Answer: $22$ to $26$ mEq/L. This bicarbonate level supports the body's buffering capacity against acid-base imbalances in metabolic processes.

Flashcard 8: What is the normal arterial oxygen saturation ($SaO_2$) range used for ABG interpretation?

Answer: $95$% to $100$%. This saturation level indicates efficient oxygen binding to hemoglobin under normal physiological conditions.

Flashcard 9: Identify the disorder: pH $7.47$, $PaCO_2$ $48$ mm Hg, $HCO_3^-$ $34$ mEq/L.

Answer: Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis. pH stays high with partial PaCO2 elevation not fully correcting high HCO3-.

Flashcard 10: Which change in ventilation decreases $PaCO_2$: increased or decreased alveolar ventilation?

Answer: Increased alveolar ventilation decreases $PaCO_2$. Hyperventilation expels more CO2, reducing its partial pressure in arterial blood.

Flashcard 11: Identify the disorder: pH $7.30$, $PaCO_2$ $52$ mm Hg, $HCO_3^-$ $24$ mEq/L.

Answer: Uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Low pH with elevated PaCO2 and normal HCO3- shows no renal compensation yet.

Flashcard 12: What is the normal arterial $PaCO_2$ range used for ABG interpretation?

Answer: $35$ to $45$ mm Hg. This range reflects normal carbon dioxide partial pressure, indicating effective respiratory elimination of CO2.

Flashcard 13: Identify the disorder: pH $7.44$, $PaCO_2$ $30$ mm Hg, $HCO_3^-$ $20$ mEq/L.

Answer: Fully compensated respiratory alkalosis. Normal pH results from reduced HCO3- balancing low PaCO2 in compensated states.

Flashcard 14: Which variable is the primary indicator of a metabolic acid–base disorder: $PaCO_2$ or $HCO_3^-$?

Answer: $HCO_3^-$. Altered HCO3- levels disrupt buffering, causing pH changes in metabolic conditions.

Flashcard 15: What is the fastest body system to compensate for acid–base disturbances?

Answer: Respiratory system (minutes). Lungs adjust CO2 levels rapidly via changes in ventilation to restore pH balance.

Flashcard 16: Which variable is the primary indicator of a respiratory acid–base disorder: $PaCO_2$ or $HCO_3^-$?

Answer: $PaCO_2$. Elevated PaCO2 increases carbonic acid, lowering pH in respiratory disorders.

Flashcard 17: What term describes pH below $7.35$ on an ABG?

Answer: Acidemia. Low pH signifies excess hydrogen ions, leading to acidic blood conditions requiring intervention.

Flashcard 18: Identify the disorder: pH $7.33$, $PaCO_2$ $50$ mm Hg, $HCO_3^-$ $26$ mEq/L.

Answer: Partially compensated respiratory acidosis. pH remains low as HCO3- increase is insufficient to fully offset elevated PaCO2.

Flashcard 19: Identify the disorder: pH $7.36$, $PaCO_2$ $55$ mm Hg, $HCO_3^-$ $30$ mEq/L.

Answer: Fully compensated respiratory acidosis. Normal pH achieved through elevated HCO3- counteracting high PaCO2 in chronic conditions.

Flashcard 20: What is the primary organ system responsible for metabolic compensation in acid–base disorders?

Answer: Kidneys (hours to days). Renal system regulates bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen excretion over time to correct imbalances.

Flashcard 21: What is the priority clinical response for metabolic acidosis from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Answer: IV fluids and insulin; correct potassium as indicated. These interventions address hyperglycemia and ketosis, restoring metabolic balance in DKA.

Flashcard 22: What is the priority nursing action for acute respiratory acidosis due to hypoventilation?

Answer: Improve ventilation (airway support, increase RR/TV). Enhancing gas exchange reverses CO2 retention to normalize pH in hypoventilating patients.

Flashcard 23: What is the normal base excess (base deficit) range used for ABG interpretation?

Answer: $-2$ to $+2$ mEq/L. This value quantifies the metabolic component of acid-base balance, with zero indicating no excess or deficit.

Flashcard 24: Identify the disorder: pH $7.50$, $PaCO_2$ $30$ mm Hg, $HCO_3^-$ $24$ mEq/L.

Answer: Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis. High pH with low PaCO2 and normal HCO3- indicates acute hyperventilation without compensation.

Flashcard 25: What is the priority nursing action for acute respiratory alkalosis caused by anxiety-driven hyperventilation?

Answer: Reduce hyperventilation (coach slow breathing, treat anxiety). Calming techniques restore normal ventilation patterns to raise PaCO2 and correct alkalosis.