NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
What are the potential changes in an ABG for COPD`s in their chronic maintance stage,acute exacerbation anf their end stage
Generally the more advanced the COPD, the more likely the oxygen (O2) to decrease. With very advanced disease (lung function less than 40% of predicted), the carbon dioxide (CO2) may increase. However, it is possible for some individuals with very severe COPD to maintain a normal O2 and CO2 (if they are in a stable, "maintenance" state). With exacerbations, the O2 may decrease further and the CO2 level may increase to life threatening levels. Generally the higher the CO2 level, the more acidotic the blood is.
Mahasti Rittinger, RRT
Clinical Program Manager of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University