Abstract
Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is a fundamental skill in healthcare practice, particularly when caring for acutely unwell or deteriorating patients. It can be useful in the assessment of patients' acid-base balance and gas exchange, thereby informing appropriate care and management. However, many nurses find interpreting ABG results challenging. This article outlines a simplified approach to ABG analysis using three main values - pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate - and applying the RoMe ('Respiratory opposite, Metabolic equal') technique. It also provides brief descriptions of selected acid-base imbalances and explains how to identify whether these are uncompensated, partially compensated or fully compensated.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 40-43 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Nursing Standard |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Mar 2024 |