HLTH 2573: 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.
Learning outcomes
- 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.
Course topics
- 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
Required text and materials
The following material is required for this course:
- Malley, W. J. (2005). Clinical Blood Gases: Assessment and Intervention. (2nd Ed.). Elsevier Saunders Company.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-7216-8422-2
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
In order to successfully complete this course, students must obtain at least 50% on the mandatory final exam 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.
| Midterm 1 | 25% |
| Midterm 2 | 25% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
