Arterial Blood Gases
This in-depth course examines the basic principles of chemistry and physics related to blood gases and the physiology of respiration. The interpretation, collection and sampling of blood gases, and non-invasive measurements, are examined with particular emphasis on clinical applications.
Recommended: A minimum of a two-year health care diploma program and a sound knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology are strongly recommended.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe electrode theories and sampling techniques.
- Describe and define characteristics of internal and external respiration.
- Describe hypoxemia, acidosis and various types of shunting.
- Define acid base regulation and interpret results.
- Describe noninvasive methods of blood gas monitoring.
- Interpret case studies.
- Module A: Describe Arterial Blood Gases
- Module B: Describe Blood Gas Classification
- Module C: Describe Blood Gas Sampling Errors
- Module D: Describe Blood Gas Electrodes and Quality Assurance
- Module E: Describe Accuracy Checks and Metabolic Acid-Base Indices
- Module F: Describe Oxygenation and External Respiration
- Module G: Describe Oxygen Transport and Internal Respiration
- Module H: Describe Acid-Base Homeostasis
- Module I: Describe Hypoxemia and Shunting
- Module J: Describe the Treatment of Hypoxemia and Shunting
- Module K: Describe the Assessment and Intervention of Hypoxia
- Module L: Describe the Regulation of Acids, Bases and Electrolytes
- Module M: Describe the Differential Diagnosis of Acid-Base Disturbances
- Module N: Describe Mixed Acid-Base Disturbances and Treatments
- Module O: Describe Noninvasive Blood Gas Monitoring
- Module P: Complete Arterial Blood Gas Case Studies
Maximum Completion30 weeks.
Required Text and Materials
Students will receive all course materials including the textbook in their course package.
Malley, W. J.. Clinical Blood Gases: Assessment and Intervention. 2nd Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders Company, 2005.
Type: Textbook, ISBN: 072168422X
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty member is available to assist students. Primary communication is by phone if you are taking the print version of the course and through Blackboard's "Mail" tool if you are taking the web version. You will receive the necessary contact information when you start your course.
In order to successfully complete this course, students must obtain at least 50% on the final mandatory examination and 50% overall.
Students applying this course towards any TRU Health Care program may be required to obtain a minimum of 60% overall to meet program requirements.