What are the Key Abnormalities in Blood Gas Levels?
- Acidosis: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. It can be respiratory (high PaCO2) or metabolic (low HCO3-). - Alkalosis: A pH above 7.45 indicates alkalosis. It can be respiratory (low PaCO2) or metabolic (high HCO3-). - Hypoxemia: A PaO2 below 75 mmHg suggests low oxygen levels, which can result from respiratory failure or other conditions. - Hypercapnia: Elevated PaCO2 levels indicate respiratory acidosis, often seen in conditions like COPD.
