Arterial blood gas values reflect ventilation and acid-base balance. The results include the arterial blood pH (concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood) , partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) dissolved in the arterial plasma, and the concentration of sodium bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood. Our bodies regulate an acid-base balance through a buffer system. This buffer system neutralizes acids. There are three buffer systems that exist for the maintenance of our acid-base equilibrium: a buffer system in our blood, respiratory system, and renal system. Some of the common causes of the retention of carbon dioxide (respiratory acidosis) are: pneumonia, drug overdose, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax Some of the common causes of the respiratory alkalosis are: pain, fever, asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), anxiety, fear, pulmonary embolus Some of the common causes of a gain of metabolic acids or a loss of base (metabolic acidosis) are: Increased acids: renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, aspirin overdose, anaerobic metabolism Loss of base: diarrhea Some of the common causes of gain of base or loss of metabolic acids (metabolic alkalosis) are: Gain of base: Increased ingestion of antacids or an excessive administration of sodium bicarbonate Loss of metabolic acids: vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, low potassium and/or chloride levels, diuretics, steroids, increase in aldosterone pasha
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 07:47:27 +0000