I'm rebuilding this site in a simpler format. Sorry that some of the pages are still unformatted.
I found this video years ago and think it's still the best, easiest intro to ABGs I've ever seen.
Then, once you\'ve figured out how to figure out Arterial Blood Gas readings, test yourself using this simple, but great practice tool:
After mastering the basics, this video is a good intro to Anion Gap and what diagnoses to be considering.
Causes of High Anion Gap Acidosis:
Is It Septic Shock? Check Lactate Level archived from acep.org
Acute Lactic Acidosis from MedScape.com
How metabolic alkalosis causes hypokalemia
How metabolic alkalosis causes hypokalemia from joel topf on Vimeo.
(426, 'Khan Academy has a great set of videos on the RAAS axis:
1. Regulation of blood pressure with baroreceptors
2. Parts of a nephron
3. General overview of the RAAS system: Cells and hormones
4. Renin production in the kidneys
5. Activating angiotensin 2
6. Angiotensin 2 raises blood pressure
7. Aldosterone raises blood pressure and lowers potassium
8. Aldosterone removes acid from the blood
9. ADH secretion
10. ADH effects on blood pressure
11. Aldosterone and ADH
ACE inhibitors prevent angiotensin I from converting into angiotensin II by blocking the converting enzyme. It thereby decreases the secretion of aldosterone, which itself increases the sodium and water retention in the body. ACE-inhibitors can improve survival in patients who have suffered heart attacks and in diabetics, but they have also shown to be teratogenic.
Alpha blockers inhibit the stimulating effect of noradrenalin on the smooth muscle. Side effects are tachycardia, arrhythmia, angina, and intestinal problems, like abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Beta blockers lower the blood pressure by being sympatholytic. The administration is contraindicated in patients with COPD due to bronchospasm, in patients with diabetes due to alteration in insulin/glucose homeostasis and blockage of autonomic response to hypoglycemia, and in patients with hyperkalemia due to the risk of increasing K+ serum levels.
Loop diuretics inhibit Na-K-Cl-Cotransport and thereby eliminate excessive fluid from the body. It is contraindicated in patients with gout, due to causation of hyperuricemia.
Calcium channel blockers decrease the tonus of smooth muscle, by inhibiting Ca entry to the cells. It is mostly used in patients with angina and hypertension and should not be given to patients with sick-sinus-syndrome, lung congestion, or after suffering a heart attack.