Interpreting Arterial Blood Gases Successfully

Authors

Brenda G Larkin, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Robert J Zimmanck, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Larkin BG, Zimmanck RJ. Interpreting Arterial Blood Gases Successfully. AORN J. 2015 Oct;102(4):343-54; quiz 355-7.

Affiliations

Burlington-Walworth Patient Service Market

Abstract

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is a crucial skill for perioperative nurses, in particular the RN circulator. This article provides the physiological basis for assessing ABGs perioperatively and presents a systematic approach to blood gas analysis using the Romanski method. Blood gas sample data allow the reader to practice ABG interpretation. In addition, four case studies are presented that give the reader the opportunity to analyze ABGs within the context of surgical patient scenarios. The ability to accurately assess ABGs allows the perioperative nurse to assist surgical team members in restoring a patient's acid-base balance.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

26411819