Course Summary

The arterial blood gas test (ABG) is one of the most common and useful tests performed by medical professionals. The ABG checks a patient’s arterial blood to determine acidity and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in their blood. It is especially useful to determine whether oxygen therapy is working for a patient or to reveal important information about a patient’s metabolic state. The goal of ABG sampling is to assess the patient’s physiologic condition. Anatomical sites, techniques, and complications of the arterial blood gas test and ABG interpretation is discussed. Interpretation of venous blood gases and detailed discussion of acid-base disturbances are discussed separately.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• I.         Introduction
• II.         Purpose of the ABG Test
• III.         Normal Metabolic and Cellular Function
  • 1.   Acid-Base
  • 2.   Buffers
  • 3.   Respiratory System
  • 4.   Renal System
• IV.         Oxygen Level and Saturation
• V.         Common Sites of ABG Sample Collection
  • 1.   Radial Artery
  • 2.   Femoral Artery
  • 3.   Brachial Artery
• VI.         Blood Gas Analyzer
  • 1.   ABG Measurement Interpretation
• VII.         Acid-Base Disorders
  • 1.   Respiratory Acidosis
  • 2.   Respiratory Alkalosis
  • 3.   Metabolic Acidosis
  • 4.   Metabolic Alkalosis
• VIII.         Case Studies: Acid-Base Imbalance
  • 1.   Case Study 1: Pediatric Non-diabetic Ketoacidosis
  • 2.   Case Study 2: Caffeine Overdose and Electrolyte Disturbance
• IX.         Summary

Author

Noah H. Carpenter, MD

Dr. Noah Carpenter is a Thoracic and Peripheral Vascular Surgeon. He completed his Bachelor of Science in chemistry and medical school and training at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Carpenter completed surgical residency and fellowship at the University of Edmonton and Affiliated Hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, and an additional Adult Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He has specialized in microsurgical techniques, vascular endoscopy, laser and laparoscopic surgery in Brandon, Manitoba and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and in Colorado, Texas, and California. Dr. Carpenter has an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Calgary, and was appointed a Citizen Ambassador to China, and has served as a member of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the Canadian College of Health Service Executives, the Science Institute of the Northwest Territories, Canada Science Council, and the International Society of Endovascular Surgeons, among others. He has been an inspiration to youth, motivating them to understand the importance of achieving higher education.