ABG INTERPRETATION Made Simple 🩺✨
📌 Step 1: Remember Normal Values (Very Important)
Parameter
Normal Range
pH
7.35 – 7.45
PaCO₂
35 – 45 mmHg
HCO₃⁻
22 – 26 mEq/L
PaO₂
80 – 100 mmHg
💡 Tip to Remember:
ROME Rule → Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal
📌 Step 2: Check the pH First
pH < 7.35 → Acidosis
pH > 7.45 → Alkalosis
Always start with pH!
📌 Step 3: Check PaCO₂ (Respiratory Component)
Normal: 35–45
↑ PaCO₂ (>45) → Respiratory Acidosis
↓ PaCO₂ (<35) → Respiratory Alkalosis
🫁 CO₂ = Lungs problem
📌 Step 4: Check HCO₃⁻ (Metabolic Component)
Normal: 22–26
↓ HCO₃⁻ → Metabolic Acidosis
↑ HCO₃⁻ → Metabolic Alkalosis
🧪 HCO₃⁻ = Kidneys problem
🎯 Quick Identification Table
pH
CO₂
HCO₃⁻
Condition
↓
↑
Normal
Respiratory Acidosis
↑
↓
Normal
Respiratory Alkalosis
↓
Normal
↓
Metabolic Acidosis
↑
Normal
↑
Metabolic Alkalosis
🚨 Emergency Causes You Must Remember
Respiratory Acidosis
COPD
Asthma
Airway obstruction
Respiratory depression
Respiratory Alkalosis
Anxiety
Hyperventilation
Fever
Metabolic Acidosis
DKA
Renal failure
Diarrhea
Shock
Metabolic Alkalosis
Vomiting
NG suction
Diuretics
🧠 10-Second Exam Trick
1️⃣ Check pH
2️⃣ Look at CO₂
3️⃣ Look at HCO₃⁻
4️⃣ Match with ROME rule
That’s it.
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