Summary:
Every respiratory therapist should be able to understand the values listed on an arterial blood gas report. Correlating the patient’s clinical picture with the ABG results is an example of critical thinking. RTs can readily interpret ABGs using basic physiologic principles presented in this course. Early and accurate ABG interpretation helps ensure that appropriate interventions are taken. RTs must be knowledgeable about ABG interpretation so that they will manage ABG imbalances effectively. Basic information, such as the difference between an acid and a base, the body’s buffering systems, and the basic components of an arterial blood gas report (including normal values) will be presented. Clinical problems that lead to respiratory and metabolic imbalances will be discussed, along with causes and significance of left and right shifts on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.
Objectives:
The purpose of this course is to provide respiratory therapists (RTs) with information about blood gas interpretation so that they will interpret and manage blood gas imbalances effectively. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to —
- Differentiate between an acid and a base.
- Identify two buffering systems within the body.
- Define the basic components of a blood gas report.
- List the normal ABG parameters.
- Discuss four common clinical problems that lead to respiratory imbalances.
- Discuss four common clinical problems that lead to metabolic imbalances.
- Explain the significance of left and right shifts on the dissociation curve.
- Identify four mechanisms of hypoxemia and how they are documented on blood gas analysis.
Approval Information
This CE course is approved for respiratory therapists from 1/12/2012 to 1/12/2014.
This program has been approved for 4 contact hours of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care, 9425 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 100, Irving, TX 75063. AARC Sponsor ID: 9514012. This is a non-traditional course.
If you are a respiratory therapist, remember to give us your AARC member number when filling out your license number information.
Gannett Education is also approved by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care (provider #FBN 50-1489).