Understanding arterial blood gases.

This article examines acid-base balance and the interpretation of arterial blood gases (ABG). The article begins with a brief revision of related physiology followed by a description of the primary disorders of acid-base balance. The normal ranges and the significance of abnormal ABG results are explored. The article concludes by providing an easy to follow four-step guide to ABG interpretation with practice examples presented in the continuing professional development (CPD) task section.