Interpreting ABGs

Framework (5 modules): Understanding the values — pH, PaCO2, HCO3, PaO2 and what each actually represents The systematic method — pH first, then which value explains it, mixed disorders, the "normal pH doesn't mean nothing's wrong" trap The four primary disorders — respiratory acidosis/alkalosis, metabolic acidosis/alkalosis, with common causes Compensation — uncompensated / partially / fully, and what it tells you about timeline Oxygenation and the full picture — reading PaO2/SaO2 as a separate axis from acid-base Practice Lab — ABG Interpretation Practice Lab (5 drills): Read the value  — 8 single values classified low/normal/high Respiratory or metabolic?  — 6 partial sets identifying which system explains the pH Name the disorder  — 8 full sets naming one of the 4 primary disorders Compensation status  — 9 sets (3 each: uncompensated, partial, full) Full interpretation  — 5 complete panels with clinical context, combining disorder + compensation + oxygenation