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How to Write and Interpret ABG in Patient Chart

Writer: MaytaMayta

Updated: May 31, 2024



Understanding pO2 / FiO2 Ratio:

  • pO2 (PaO2): Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.

  • FiO2: Fraction of inspired oxygen; the concentration of oxygen that a patient is breathing.

Calculation:

  • The ratio is calculated by dividing the pO2 by the FiO2.

  • For example, if pO2 is 190.1 mmHg and FiO2 is 0.40 (40% oxygen), the ratio is:

  • P/F ratio = 190.1 / 0.40 = 475.25

Normal Range:

  • A normal pO2 / FiO2 ratio is typically above 300.

  • A ratio below 300 may indicate impaired oxygenation:

  • 300-200: Mild ARDS

  • 200-100: Moderate ARDS

  • <100: Severe ARDS

Since the pO2 / FiO2 ratio helps in the evaluation of oxygenation status, it's crucial in critical care settings, particularly for patients on mechanical ventilation or with suspected ARDS.

Table with Normal Range:

Here’s the updated table with the pO2 / FiO2 ratio included:

Category

Parameter

Value

Normal Range

Units

Acid/Base Status

pH

7.354

7.35-7.45

-


pCO2

42.3

35-45

mmHg


HCO3- (act)

23.0

22-26

mmol/L


HCO3- (std)

22.5

22-26

mmol/L


ctCO2

24.3

-

mmol/L

Co-oximetry

tHb

8.0

12-16 (females), 13-18 (males)

g/dL


FO2Hb

97.6

95-100

%


FMetHb

0.3

0-1.5

%

Oxygenation

pO2

190.1

75-100

mmHg


O2 SAT (est)

99.2

95-100

%


pO2 / FiO2

475

>300

mmHg / %

Electrolytes

K+

3.47

3.5-5.0

mmol/L


Ca++

1.03

1.12-1.32

mmol/L

Temperature

Temperature

36.9

Around 37

°C

Note that the pO2 / FiO2 value given (4.75) in the image might be an error or a different context measure, as the typical ratio should be much higher So don't forget to * 100 . For accurate clinical use, verify the exact FiO2 and appropriately calculate the ratio. If FiO2 is expressed as a percentage (like 40%), convert it to a fraction (0.40) for the ratio calculation.


 

Detailed Guide for Interpreting ABG and Charting:

Step 1: Verify Patient Information and Sample Details

  • Check the patient's name, ID, and sample collection time to ensure accuracy.

Step 2: Assess Acid-Base Status

  • pH (Normal range: 7.35-7.45)

  • pH 7.354: Slightly on the acidic side but within the normal range.

  • Interpretation: Borderline acidosis.

  • pCO2 (Normal range: 35-45 mmHg)

  • pCO2 42.3 mmHg: Within the normal range, slightly leaning towards the upper limit.

  • Interpretation: Normal respiratory function.

  • HCO3- (Normal range: 22-26 mmol/L)

  • HCO3- 23.0 mmol/L: Within the normal range.

  • Interpretation: Normal metabolic function.

  • Base Excess (BE) (Normal range: -2 to +2 mmol/L)

  • BE (B) -2.5 mmol/L: Slightly negative, indicating mild metabolic acidosis.

  • BE (ecf) -2.3 mmol/L: Similar to BE (B), suggesting mild metabolic acidosis.

  • Interpretation: Mild metabolic acidosis.

Step 3: Evaluate Oxygenation Status

  • pO2 (Normal range: 75-100 mmHg)

  • pO2 190.1 mmHg: Elevated, likely due to supplemental oxygen.

  • Interpretation: Hyperoxemia.

  • O2 SAT (est) (Normal range: 95-100%)

  • O2 SAT (est) 99.2%: Within normal limits.

  • Interpretation: Normal oxygen saturation.

Step 4: Review Co-oximetry Results

  • tHb (Normal range: 12-16 g/dL for females, 13-18 g/dL for males)

  • tHb 8.0 g/dL: Low, indicating possible anemia.

  • Interpretation: Anemia.

  • FO2Hb (Normal range: 95-100%)

  • FO2Hb 97.6%: Within normal limits.

  • Interpretation: Normal oxygen-carrying capacity.

  • FCOHb (Normal range: 0-1.5%)

  • FCOHb 0.3%: Within normal limits.

  • Interpretation: No significant carbon monoxide exposure.

  • FMetHb (Normal range: 0-1.5%)

  • FMetHb 0.6%: Within normal limits.

  • Interpretation: No significant methemoglobinemia.

Step 5: Check Electrolyte Balance

  • K+ (Normal range: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L)

  • K+ 3.47 mmol/L: Slightly low.

  • Interpretation: Mild hypokalemia.

  • Ca++ (Normal range: 1.12-1.32 mmol/L)

  • Ca++ 1.03 mmol/L: Low.

  • Interpretation: Hypocalcemia.

Step 6: Note Temperature

  • Temperature (Normal around 37°C)

  • Temperature 36.9°C: Normal.

  • Interpretation: Normothermia.

Charting in the Patient's Medical Record:

Here’s what should be documented in the patient's chart based on the ABG results:

Acid/Base Status:

  • pH: 7.354

  • pCO2: 42.3 mmHg

  • HCO3-: 23.0 mmol/L

  • BE (B): -2.5 mmol/L

  • BE (ecf): -2.3 mmol/L

Oxygenation:

  • pO2: 190.1 mmHg

  • O2 SAT (est): 99.2%

Co-oximetry:

  • tHb: 8.0 g/dL

  • FO2Hb: 97.6%

  • FCOHb: 0.3%

  • FMetHb: 0.6%

Electrolytes:

  • K+: 3.47 mmol/L

  • Ca++: 1.03 mmol/L

Temperature:

  • Temperature: 36.9°C

Interpretation Summary for Medical Record:

  • Mild Metabolic Acidosis: Borderline low pH and slightly negative base excess values suggest a mild metabolic acidosis.

  • Hyperoxemia: Elevated pO2 likely due to supplemental oxygen administration.

  • Anemia: Low hemoglobin concentration indicating anemia.

  • Electrolyte Imbalance: Mild hypokalemia and hypocalcemia detected.

Clinical Recommendations:

  • Investigate the cause of metabolic acidosis: Assess for possible contributing factors such as renal function, lactate levels, and other metabolic conditions.

  • Oxygen Therapy Management: Ensure the elevated pO2 is appropriate and adjust supplemental oxygen as necessary.

  • Evaluate and Treat Anemia: Further evaluation and management for anemia, considering possible causes like blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic disease.

  • Correct Electrolyte Imbalances: Monitor and correct potassium and calcium levels as needed.

  • Follow-Up: Continuous monitoring and repeat ABG if clinically indicated to assess the response to interventions and adjust treatment accordingly.

By documenting and interpreting these ABG results in a structured and detailed manner, the clinical team can ensure accurate assessment and appropriate management of the patient’s condition.

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