Question

As the icu nurse caring for a patient with multiple trauma from an atv accident you draw arterial blood gases (abgs) every 4 hours. what are you primarily assessing in this patient with the abgs?

Answer 1

The bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system

A blood test called an arterial blood gases (ABG) test analyzes the pH, oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in an artery. The purpose of the test is to evaluate the patient's lungs' ability to eliminate carbon dioxide from the blood and transport oxygen into it.

The buffer between carbonic acid (H2C03) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) is essential for preserving the acid-base balance in the blood. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) serves as a weak base and H2CO3 as a weak acid.

Bicarbonate makes weak acids from strong acids, and strong bases from weak acids generate neutral solutions.

By controlling the generation of bicarbonate, the kidneys support the bicarbonate buffer system. The lungs help by controlling the amount of carbonic acid produced.

Learn more about the bicarbonate buffer system here:

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