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Desmond Allen has been a
credentialed respiratory therapist since 1975. He has managed or been the clinical
coordinator of four cardiopulmonary departments and the clinical preceptor
for numerous students. He holds a PhD in education
and another in health administration.
The rapid interpretation of ABGs need not be the ominous task that it is for so
many. Herein, clinicians will learn to
interpret ABGs rapidly by answering three simple
questions. Is the pH normal, acidotic or alkalotic? Is the pH correctly predicted by the PaCO2? If the pH
is abnormal, is the abnormality caused, compensated or exacerbated by the PaCO2? By
answering these simple questions we have all the information we need for an
accurately interpretation—weather the ABG is normal, respiratory or metabolic acidosis or
alkalosis, or both, acute, compensated or partially compensated.
The second section covers the fundamentals of BiPAP and mechanical ventilation management. These guidelines are presented so as to be
employed in real time by physicians and respiratory therapists, or to be
converted into policies and procedures.
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