6 Easy Steps to ABG Analysis

Many nurses have difficulty interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs). Confusion often results when too many pieces of information are analyzed at the same time. Therefore, it is helpful to separate the components of ABGs and categorize the information that they provide.

When ABGs are divided into their major components (acid/base balance and oxygenation), they become much easier to understand.

The pH tells us if the patient is acidotic or alkalotic. The pCO2 and HCO3 tell us where the acid/base abnormality comes from and whether there is compensation. Finally the pO2 and O2 saturation tell us about oxygenation.

To break this process down further use the six simple steps below:

Analyze the pH
Analyze the CO2
Analyze the HCO3
Match the CO2 or HCO3 with the pH
Look for compensation
Analyze the pO2 and O2 sat.

This 6-step method will help you to accurately and consistently evaluate ABGs, and it's easy!

David's "The Six Easy Steps to ABG Analysis" is just that--easy! Frankly the presentation of ABG's in my RN class was a mess. I listened to the audio material while driving to class and got the basics of ABG's in 20 minutes and I was teaching others in the class while the instructors were struggling. -Ken Robinson

6 Easy Steps to ABG Analysis is a step-by step method to easily and accurately interpret arterial blood gases. This program is taught by David W. Woodruff, MSN, RN, CNS, CCRN, a nationally-known nursing expert and teacher.

6 Easy Steps to ABG Analysis is available on audio CD, or videotape and includes:

The 6 Easy Steps to ABG Analysis

60-minute videotape or audio CD

Comprehensive booklet

Practice ABGs

“In more than 20 years of nursing, I never really understood ABGs.

Mr. Woodruff made it simple!” -JT, RN

Start understanding ABGs today!