ABG

For refrence only, not for clinical use.

Acidosis

Normal

Alkalosis

Potential of Hydrogen (pH)

< 7.35

7.35-7.40-7.45

7.45

Carbon Dioxide (PaCO₂)
Respiratory

> 45 mmHg

35-40-45 mmHg

< 35 mmHg

Bicarbonate (HCO₃-)
Metabolic

< 22 mEq/L

22-24-26 mEq/L

> 26 mEq/L

The rule for this is that pH and HCO₃- are trending together then it's a metabolic problem.
ROME
Repository (PaCO₂) moves Opposite of pH.
Metabolic (HCO₃-) moves Equal with pH.

Patient Condition:

Patient is in hemostasis.

PaCO₂

HCO₃-

For every change in 10mmHg of EtCO₂ (effectively PaCO₂) the pH will change 0.08 the opposite direction.

For every change in 0.15 of pH, the HCO₃- will change 10 mmol/L in the same direction.

For every change in 0.10 of pH, the K⁺ will change 0.6 mEq in the opposite direction.

For every change in 10 mmHg in EtCO₂ (effectively PaCO₂), the K⁺ will change 0.5 mEqs in the same direciton.