Question

The ABG values [pH, PCO2, HCO3] are used to assess blood gas levels. Which of the following represents a normal ABG value range for a healthy individual?

a) pH 7.35-7.45, PCO2 35-45 mm Hg, HCO3 22-26 mEq/L
b) pH 7.50-7.60, PCO2 40-50 mm Hg, HCO3 18-22 mEq/L
c) pH 7.25-7.35, PCO2 50-60 mm Hg, HCO3 26-30 mEq/L
d) pH 7.40-7.50, PCO2 30-40 mm Hg, HCO3 24-28 mEq/L

Answer 1

The ABG values that define a normal range for a healthy individual are a) pH 7.35-7.45, PCO2 35-45 mm Hg, HCO3 22-26 mEq/L. These values represent a well-maintained acid-base balance, critical for avoiding acidosis or alkalosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The normal arterial blood gas (ABG) values that represent a healthy individual's blood gas levels are: a) pH 7.35-7.45, PCO2 35-45 mm Hg, HCO3 22-26 mEq/L. This range indicates a state of acid-base balance, which is critical to maintain as both acidosis (a low pH) and alkalosis (a high pH) can lead to life-threatening conditions. The ABG values include the blood pH value, which indicates the state of acidosis, alkalosis, or normal pH levels; the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), which helps determine if an imbalance is respiratory in nature; and the bicarbonate ion concentration (HCO3-), which helps assess if an imbalance is metabolic.