Blood gases can indicate a range of conditions often encountered in toxicology:
Respiratory Acidosis: Elevated PaCO2 and decreased pH, often due to hypoventilation or respiratory failure. Respiratory Alkalosis: Decreased PaCO2 and increased pH, typically resulting from hyperventilation. Metabolic Acidosis: Decreased HCO3- and pH, which can result from conditions like lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, or ingestion of toxic substances like methanol or ethylene glycol. Metabolic Alkalosis: Elevated HCO3- and pH, often due to vomiting or diuretic use.
