Arterial Blood Gases

Blood gases’ interpretation is a very useful & essential skill for doctors especially the Internists, Intensivists & Pulmonologists. Read our post on ABG interpretation.

In this post, you are given different blood gas data. Try interpreting these ABG values to test yourself, and then hover over (touch in mobiles) the card to reveal the answer.

pH – 7.51

pCO2 – 33 mmHg

HCO3 – 13

Respiratory Alkalosis & Metabolic Acidosis

pH – 7.29

pCO2 – 40 mmHg

HCO3 – 24 mmol/L

Na+ 150 mmol/L

Cl- 100 mmol/L

Elevated Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

pH – 7.28

pCO2 – 30 mmHg

HCO3 – 10 mmol/L

Metabolic acidosis & Respiratory Alkalosis

pH – 7.3

pCO2 – 40 mmHg

HCO3 – 22 mmol/L

Na+ 142 mmol/L

Cl- 110 mmol/L

Normal Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

pH – 7.31

pCO2 – 30 mmHg

HCO3 – 24mmol/L

Metabolic Acidosis with secondary Respiratory Alkalosis

pH – 7.12

pCO2 – 40 mmHg

HCO3 – 16 mmol/L

Na+ 140 mmol/L

Cl- 100 mmol/L

Elevated Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis & Respiratory Acidosis

Hint: pCO2 is more than expected

pH – 7.32

pCO2 – 54 mmHg

HCO3 – 25 mmol/L

Respiratory Acidosis

pH: 7.36

PaCO2: 60 mmHg

[HCO₃^–]: 34 mmol/L

Respiratory Acidosis compensated by Metabolic Alkalosis

Hint: pH is toward acidic side

pH: 7.45

PaCO2: 51 mmHg

[HCO₃^–]: 34 mmol/L

Metabolic alkalosis, compensated by metabolic acidosis

pH: 7.22

PaCO2: 41 mmHg

[HCO₃^–]: 16 mmol/L

Mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis.

Hint: pCO2 is higher than expected.

pH: 7.34

PaCO2: 28 mmHg

[HCO^-3]: 13 mmol/L

Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation

Read this post on Steps in Blood Gases Interpretation

ABG Interpretation: Test Yourself (Flashcards)

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