Using an algorithm to interpret arterial blood gases

The arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, one of the most common tests ordered, provides clinicians with valuable information on a patient's oxygenation and acid-base balance. Interpreting ABG analysis results can be challenging, even for the most experienced practitioners, because it requires knowledge of the physiology and cause-and-effect relationship of the disturbances. Applying the principles and the ABG algorithm described in this article will provide nurses with a systematic way to interpret uncomplicated arterial blood gas results, including primary, mixed, and compensated acidbase disturbances.