A Self-Directed Learning Module

Introduction:

The sampling of arterial blood gases is a common practice in acute care medicine. Patients with respiratory disease are at risk for inadequate lung ventilation and inadequate tissue oxygenation. Patients with metabolic diseases and selected drug overdoses are at risk for acid-base abnormalities. Arterial blood gas sampling is a simple procedure that can be performed at the bedside and can provide important information about lung ventilation, tissue oxygenation and acid-base status.