The Resus Room Blood gases; Roadside to Resus
16 snips
Nov 15, 2023 This episode of the podcast explores the significance of blood gases in different medical environments. It covers topics such as acid-base balance, respiratory and metabolic aspects of blood gases, anion gap in metabolic acidosis, venous blood gas analysis, and interpreting blood gases. The hosts provide valuable insights into the role of arterial samples and offer a systematic approach to interpreting results.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ABGs Deliver Fast Multi-Parameter Data
- Arterial blood gases give rapid respiratory and metabolic info critical in ED and critical care.
- They include pH, PaO2, PaCO2, bicarbonate, electrolytes, lactate and hemoglobin in one quick test.
pH Scale And The Carbonic Buffer
- pH reflects hydrogen ion concentration and uses a logarithmic scale, so small pH changes mean big H+ shifts.
- The carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer (CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3 ⇌ H+ + HCO3-) underpins rapid respiratory and slower renal control.
Classify Disturbances By CO2 Or HCO3-
- Consider whether an acid-base disturbance is respiratory (CO2) or metabolic (HCO3-).
- Use clinical context to determine the primary cause before interpreting compensation.