Question

Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement will give the information needed to determine if the primary disturbance of acid-base balance is respiratory or metabolic in nature.

A. True
B. False
C. Both Carbonic Acid Excess and Deficit Only
D. Both Bicarbonate Excess and Deficit Only

Answer 1

ABG measurements are crucial in determining the nature of acid-base imbalances as they provide pH, pCO₂, and HCO₃ levels. These indicators help diagnose whether an issue is respiratory or metabolic and if the body has compensated for the disturbance. The correct option is c.

Step-by-step explanation:

Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements reveal important information about the acid-base balance in the body. By analyzing the ABG values, one can determine if the primary disturbance is respiratory, influenced by carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, or metabolic, influenced by bicarbonate (HCO₃) levels. The pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂), and bicarbonate (HCO₃) levels are critical in diagnosing conditions such as acidosis or alkalosis, and in determining the body's compensatory responses.

For instance, in respiratory acidosis, there is an excess of CO₂ in the blood, leading initially to normal bicarbonate levels. If compensation has occurred, bicarbonate levels would increase to attempt reestablishing the proper bicarbonate/carbonic acid ratio. Conversely, metabolic acidosis features lower-than-normal bicarbonate levels, and compensation would manifest as a decrease in pCO₂ as the body tries to correct the imbalance.