Acute Care physical therapists encounter blood gas results, which they are required to interpret. The result from a blood gas sample can provide reliable data on the state of a patient’s acid-base balance and oxygen levels. This information can be critical in determining appropriateness of physical therapy and exercise dosage. The purpose of this course will provide an overview of blood gas interpretation and how they influence the physical therapy plan of care. Key Words: acute care, blood gas, interpretation

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the importance of reviewing blood gasses prior to initiating an examination/intervention.
2. Describe the clinical considerations related to abnormal blood gasses.
3. Utilize the Lab Resources Guide to identify relative and absolute parameters for therapeutic participation.
4. Differentiate between metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis.

Course Instructions

1. Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
2. Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
3. Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
4. Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page. 

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