Fluid & ElectrolytesABG Interpretation
Acid–Base Balance & ABG Interpretation
Use ROME to classify the primary acid–base disorder in seconds.
Mnemonic: ROME: Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal
Overview
Arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation identifies the primary acid–base disorder and whether compensation is occurring.
| Disorder | pH | PaCO₂ | HCO₃⁻ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory acidosis | ↓ | ↑ | normal/↑ |
| Respiratory alkalosis | ↑ | ↓ | normal/↓ |
| Metabolic acidosis | ↓ | normal/↓ | ↓ |
| Metabolic alkalosis | ↑ | normal/↑ | ↑ |
Steps
- Look at pH → acidosis or alkalosis.
- Look at PaCO₂ (respiratory) and HCO₃⁻ (metabolic).
- Match the one that moves with the pH direction per ROME.
