These are absolute key points you must know when solving arterial blood gas (ABG) problems in nursing school. You want to be able to determine with ease if the blood pH, PaCO2 (carbon dioxide), and HCO3- (bicarb) are acidic, alkaline (base), or normal. This will make it super easy to determine if it is respiratory alkalosis/acidosis or metabolic alkalosis/acidosis and if uncompensated, partial compensation, or full compensation. Click on the link on our profile page if you'd like a copy of our n