ABGs

True. This occurs in metabolic alkalosis. A respiratory alkalosis would have a raised pH with low CO2. BE and HCO3 may be normal or low if the body has compensated.

22-26. (remember a number in the 20s is normal)

-2 TO +2.

When >+2 indicates a metabolic alkalosis or a compensated respiratory acidosis (where pH is down, CO2 is up and the bicarb raises to compensate).

Compensated respiratory acidosis.

metabolic acidosis (no respiratory compensation as CO2 not increased from hypoventilation)

• type II respiratory failure with chronic compensation of raised CO2.
• CO2 must be >6.5 in type II with, often hypoxaemia (<8kpa).