Page 287 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

C, Compensated; PC, partially compensated; U, uncompensated.

Box 9-5

Analyzing Arterial Blood Gas Results

If you can remember the following Pyramid Points and Pyramid Steps, you will be
able to analyze any blood gas report.

Pyramid Points

In acidosis, the pH is decreased.
In alkalosis, the pH is elevated.
The respiratory function indicator is the Paco .
2
The metabolic function indicator is the bicarbonate ion (HCO –).
3

Pyramid Steps
Pyramid Step 1
Look at the arterial blood gas results. Look at the pH. Is the pH elevated or
decreased? If the pH is elevated, it reflects alkalosis. If the pH is decreased, it reflects
acidosis.
Pyramid Step 2
Look at the Paco . Is the Paco elevated or decreased? If the Paco reflects an opposite
2
2
2
relationship to the pH, the condition is a respiratory imbalance. If the Paco does not
2
reflect an opposite relationship to the pH, go to Pyramid Step 3.
Pyramid Step 3
Look at the . Does the reflect a corresponding relationship with the pH? If it
does, the condition is a metabolic imbalance.
Pyramid Step 4
Full compensation has occurred if the pH is in a normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. If the
pH is not within normal range, look at the respiratory or metabolic function
indicators.
If the condition is a respiratory imbalance, look at the to determine the state

287