PH, Paco2 Hco3-: Usefulness
PH, Paco2 Hco3-: Usefulness
PH, Paco2 Hco3-: Usefulness
This method is simple, easy and can be used for the majority of ABGs. It only addresses acid-base balance and considers just 3
values.
pH,
PaCO2
HCO3-
You'll be right most of the time if you remember this simple table:
High pH Low pH
Alkalosis Acidosis
High PaCO2 Low PaCO2 High PaCO2 Low PaCO2
Metabolic Respiratory Respiratory Metabolic
HCO3- is 22-26
Please note:Remember, the first three steps apply to the majority of cases, but do not take into account:
o the possibility of complete compensation, but those cases are usually less serious, and
o instances of combined respiratory and metabolic imbalance, but those cases are pretty rare.
"Combined" disturbance means HCO3- alters the pH in the same direction as the PaCO2.
High PaCO2 and low HCO3- (acidosis) or
Low PaCO2 and high HCO3- (alkalosis).