Final answer:
Parameters calculated in a blood gas analyzer include pH, CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), O2 partial pressure (pO2), HCO3-, and oxygen saturation. These parameters provide information about the acid-base balance, respiratory function, and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parameters calculated in a blood gas analyzer include pH, carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressure (pCO2), oxygen (O2) partial pressure (pO2), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and oxygen saturation. These parameters provide valuable information about the acid-base balance, respiratory function, and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
The pH represents the acidity or alkalinity of the blood and is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration. pCO2 reflects the level of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood and is an indicator of respiratory function. pO2 measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, while HCO3- indicates the level of bicarbonate ions, which help regulate blood pH.
Oxygen saturation measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen in the blood. This is typically monitored using a pulse oximeter, which non-invasively measures the oxygen saturation level by shining light through a thin part of the body, usually a finger. Normal readings range from 95-100%.