Blood gas assessment of intrapulmonary shunting and deadspace

Interpretation of blood gases is one of the most common clinical responsibilities of critical care nurses. Correct interpretation of blood gases is dependent on understanding the reasons for the gases to change. The two changes in pulmonary function that are most likely to affect blood gases are intrapulmonary shunting and deadspace alterations. The application of the principles of intrapulmonary shunting and deadspace to blood gas interpretation expands the ability to identify changes in pulmonary dysfunction. With the identification of changes in lung function, treatment modalities can be better assessed for effectiveness.