Adult Health

ABGs and Oxygen Therapy

Made Easy

A 65 yr. old male with a history of a productive

cough occurring the same time every year for
the last two years presents to the emergency
department and is having increased shortness
of breath. His CBC is normal, the arterial blood
gas results are: Ph. 7.32 C02 50 02 74 and
HC03 33 The results of spirometry on last year
shows a decrease in flows and slight increase
in volumes with a significant response to
bronchodilators.

3 pearls to intepreting this ABG:

Ph Acid or base ?
CO2 cid or base?
What is the compenatory
mechanism preen?
Is the there hypoxemia present?
Is the problem actue or chronic

1. What medical diagnosis would the

Respiratory acidosis

nurse anticipate the doctor would

assign to this patient?
2. What signs and symptoms would the

Hypoventilation, hypoxia, repid shallow

nurse anticipate would be visible

respirations, decreased BP, skin/mucosa

pale to cyanotic, hyperkalemia,
dysrhythmias, drowsiness, dizziness,
disorientation, muscle weakness,

3. What are the primary and secondary

nursing assessments

hyperreflexia
Monitor respiratory rate, depth, and effort.
Auscultate breath sounds.
Note declining level of consciousness.
Monitor heart rate and rhythm.
Note skin color, temperature, moisture.

4. What are the nursing interventions

Encourage and assist with deep-breathing
exercises, turning, and coughing. Suction as
necessary. Provide airway adjunct as indicated.
Place in semi-Fowlers position.

5. Provide handoff report for the

patient in the scenario

Pt has corp and respiratory acidosis.

The problem is acute because O2
saturation is 74 which hypoxia.