Acid-Base Balance

pH

Normal: 7.35-7.45

Measures hydrogen ion concentration and overall acid-base status. Critical for determining acidemia vs alkalemia and guiding emergency interventions.

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PaCO2

Normal: 35-45 mmHg

Reflects ventilation status and respiratory component of acid-base balance. Elevated in hypoventilation, decreased in hyperventilation.

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HCO3⁻ (Bicarbonate)

Normal: 22-28 mEq/L

Metabolic component of acid-base balance. Decreased in metabolic acidosis, increased in metabolic alkalosis or chronic respiratory acidosis.

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Base Excess/Deficit

Normal: -2 to +2 mEq/L

Calculated measure of metabolic acid-base status independent of respiratory compensation. Negative values indicate metabolic acidosis.

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Oxygenation & Ventilation

PaO2

Normal: 80-100 mmHg (room air)

Measures oxygen dissolved in arterial blood. Reflects adequacy of gas exchange and alveolar oxygenation. Critical for hypoxemia diagnosis.

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SaO2

Normal: 95-100%

Percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen. Directly measured from ABG (more accurate than pulse oximetry). Reflects oxygen-carrying capacity.

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Tissue Perfusion & Metabolism

Lactate

Normal: 0.5-2.0 mEq/L

Marker of tissue hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism. Elevated in shock, sepsis, and hypoxia. Critical prognostic indicator in critically ill patients.

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The clinical content and references are curated and reviewed by myself; however, AI was used to assist in organizing, paraphrasing, and formatting the information presented.