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3 Step ABG Interpretation - Simple Nursing
Nursing 12 (Riverside City College)
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lOMoARcPSD|25444631
3 Step ABG Interpretation
Mike’s Marching Band Suit Method
Marching band suit method
A
B
pH 7.35
7.45
B
A
35
45
PaCO₂
HCO₃
A
B
22
26
TEST TIP
Write this chart out 5 - 10 times every day the week
of your ABG exam.
Side Note: Many students & instructors use the ROME or Tic-Tac-Toe method, but that can get very confusing when interpreting
partial vs. full compensation. Use the marching band suit method to make it simple & get all your ABG questions
correct!
Set Up the Chart
Phase 1 - set up the chart
Step 1
pH is on 1st!
Think pH is primary since it comes first.
Step 2
CO2 comes 2nd.
Look at the 2 in CO2, it comes 2nd.
Lungs on top
Step 3
HCO3 comes 3rd.
Look at the 3 in HCO2, it comes 3nd.
Kidneys on bottom
pH
PaCO₂
HCO₃
Phase 2 - key numbers to memorize
A
B
pH 7.35
7.45
B
A
35
45
A
B
22
26
PaCO₂
HCO₃
Top line 7.35 - 7.45
Middle
35 - 45 (7 goes to heaven)
Bottom 22 - 26 (think 2+2+2 = 6)
Phase 3 - Label it A & B
A cid
A
B
pH 7.35
7.45
B
A
35
45
A
B
22
26
PaCO₂
B ase
HCO₃
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lOMoARcPSD|25444631
3 Step ABG Interpretation
Mike’s Marching Band Suit Method
How to Solve ABG Questions in 3 Steps
pH
Primary
Step 1 - pH
pH is primary, look here first
pH below 7.35 = Acidosis
pH
A
B
7.35
7.45
B
A
35
45
A
B
22
26
PaCO₂
HCO₃
pH over 7.45 = Base (Alkalosis)
Step 2 - Match pH with partner
A
Example:
!
Lets say pH is under 7.35, PaCO2 is
!
pH
Acidosis
PaCO₂
B
7.35
7.45
A
B
over 45 & HCO3 is normal 2 acids match:
35
!
pH & CO2 = Respiratory Acidosis
A
45
B
Normal
HCO₃
22
(look at the organ icon to help you)
26
Step 3 - Compensated or Uncompensated
Fully Compensated
MEMORY TRICK
Compensation means finding common
ground to make the pH in normal range.
pH
A
Normal
B
7.35
7.43
7.45
A
B
PaCO₂
35
Fully Compensated = pH is within normal range
The lungs & kidneys are doing their part to
balance the body
The “broken home”. The body is NOT TRYING to
help balance the pH.
It’s like having a lazy partner in a relationship!
B
HCO₃
22
Step 3 - Compensated or Uncompensated
Uncompensated = pH is OUTSIDE normal range
45
A
26
Uncompensated
Memory Trick
UNcompensated is very
UNfriendly
Step 3 - Compensated or Uncompensated
Partially compensated = pH is OUTSIDE normal range,
but the body is trying!
It is like couples counseling, sure the pH is NOT normal,
but at least the lungs & kidneys are TRYING to work things
out.
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pH
A
B
7.35
7.45
A
B
PaCO₂
35
45
A
Normal
B
22
25
26
HCO₃
Partially compensated
pH
A
B
7.35
7.45
A
B
PaCO₂
35
45
A
B
A
HCO₃
22
26
42