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Arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation helps medical professionals, including nurses, make better decisions about patient care. That’s why ABG meaning is an integral part of nursing learning.
What Does ABG Mean?
An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and the pH balance. It’s used to evaluate how well patients’ lungs are working.
Normal ABG Values
- Arterial blood pH – 7.38 to 7.45
- Bicarbonate (HCO3) – 22 to 26 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L)
- Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) – 75 to 100 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or 10.5 to 13.5 kilopascal (kPa)
- Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) – 35 to 45 mmHg or 5.1 to 5.6 kPa
- Oxygen saturation (O2Sat or SaO2) – 94 to 100%
ABGs Interpretation Study Guide Download
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