Table 1 Normal arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes in piglets
Parameter | Normal range | Correction |
|---|---|---|
pH | 7.35–7.45 | Acidosis/alkalosis is usually respiratory; correct with ventilator settings |
pCO2 (mmHg) | 35–45 | Hyper/hypocarbia usually due to ventilator support, correct with ventilator settings |
pO2 (mmHg) | 200–220 (50 % FiO2) | Hyperoxia should be avoided due to possibility of oxygen free radicals. Hypoxia may be corrected by increasing pressure support or positive and expiratory pressure, or temporarily increasing FiO2 |
HCO3 (mmol/L) | 22–33 | Perturbations are typically respiratory in nature. Correct ventilator settings accordingly |
Sodium (mmol/L) | 129–143 | Increase or decrease isotonic fluid infusion rate |
Potassium (mmol/L) | 3.9–4.1 | Hyper/hypokalemia are rarely seen intraoperatively, mild perturbations do not need correction |
Ionized calcium (mmol/L) | 1.1–1.6 | For hypocalcemia, consider calcium gluconate 30 mg/kg/dose titrated to laboratory parameters |
Glucose (mg/dL) | 100–200 | Increase or decrease dextrose containing, isotonic fluid infusion rate |
Hemoglobin (g/dL) | 7–10 | In the absence of acute blood loss during surgery, anemia is usually due to a dilutional effect from intravenous fluid administration. No therapy is required |