ABG / Acid-Base Trainer

Practice pH, PaCO2, HCO3, ROME, compensation, and respiratory versus metabolic acid-base patterns.

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ABG decision tree

CO2 = respiratory. HCO3 = metabolic. ROME = Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal.

1. Check pH

pH below 7.35 is acidotic. pH above 7.45 is alkalotic.

2. Check PaCO2

CO2 is respiratory. High CO2 pushes acid. Low CO2 pushes alkalosis.

3. Check HCO3

HCO3 is metabolic. Low HCO3 pushes acidosis. High HCO3 pushes alkalosis.

4. Apply ROME

Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal: pH and CO2 move opposite; pH and HCO3 move equal.

5. Decide compensation

If the other system is moving to correct pH, compensation is present. If pH is normal but CO2/HCO3 are abnormal, it is fully compensated.

Practice interpreter

Result

Primary respiratory acidosis