Word parts
What it means
On an arterial blood gasar-TEER-ee-ul BLUD GASA blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.Full entry , the pH is above 7.45 and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is above 26 mEq/L. The body has lost acid or gained base: common causes are vomiting, nasogastric suction, some diuretics and taking too much antacid or baking soda. The lungs try to balance it by slowing breathing to hold on to carbon dioxide. It often comes with low potassium (hypokalemiahy-poh-kuh-LEE-mee-uhA blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.hypo- belowkal potassium (from its Latin name, kalium)-emia in the bloodFull entry ).
For the nurse
Watch for muscle twitching, cramps, tingling, confusion and heart rhythm changes, and check the potassium level. Measure and record vomiting and nasogastric tube output, since both remove stomach acid.
At a glance
| Spanish | alcalosis metabólica |
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Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
-osis
A word ending that means an abnormal condition or process, or an increase.
nasogastric tube
A thin, flexible tube passed through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach.
arterial blood gas
A blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.
homeostasis
The body's way of keeping its inside conditions, such as temperature, fluids and blood sugar, steady.