Is pCO2 the same as bicarbonate?

Since electrolytes are ordered much more frequently than arterial blood gases, measuredctCO2 is often the first indication of a disturbance in acid-base balance. For all practical purposes, ctCO2 and bicarbonate are equivalent, but a difference of 2-3 mEq/L may be observed.

Is pO2 the same as CO2?

pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) CO2 (carbon dioxide content)

When pCO2 is high and pO2 is low?

As the minute ventilation increases, the pCO2 will decrease. A high pCO2 signifies a decreased minute ventilation. Thus, in general, pCO2 = ventilation. A very high pCO2 in conjunction with a low pO2 (hypoxia) suggests acute respiratory failure.

What does low PCO2 and high pH mean?

LOW PCO2 and HIGH pH Makes sense- no CO2 means no acid in the bloodstream, and thus the pH shifts into the alkaline range. This happens when you hyperventilate. = RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS HIGH PCO2 and HIGH pH

What does PCO2 stand for on an ABG?

As mentioned above these will be the major players in affecting the pH (Acid-Base) balance reported in an ABG. pCO2 stands for the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (acid). The normal range of pCO2 is 35 – 45 mmHg (with some variation for chronic CO2 retainers — think COPD). The HCO3 (bicarb) on an ABG is a calculated value.

What should be the normal pH of CO2 in blood?

So despite the high CO2, you still havent got enough acid in you to drop your pH back into the normal range. Theoretically if you kept pumping CO2 into the blood, you would eventually be able to balance out the alkali. HOWEVER in reality your PCO2 cannot go much higher than about 55.

What to look for in a low PCO2 reading?

Low PCO2 means that the patient is hyperventilating (sometimes to compensate for the blood being acidic), and a low PCO2 means they are under ventilating. Look at bicarbonate levels, which are measured as HCO3.