Arterial Blood Gas–Guided Optimization of Mechanical Ventilation in Nursing Practice

Ruwaidat Al-Ardh Hospital Jamla Omar Hady (1), Halimah Obaid Alradhady (2), Samiha Saeed Moshbab Alasmari (3), Munirah Aql Almutairi (3), Munirah Aql Almutairi (4), Safiah Mohammed Saghir Maghfuri (5), Itidal Mohammed Alnam (6), Mona Aqlaa Alenazi (7), Sharifa Ahmed Khormi (8), Taher Hassan Ali Sumaily (9), Abdulrahman Zaal Saad Albalawi (10)
(1) Alqahtani, Saudi Arabia,
(2) halemaalr1212@gmail.com, Saudi Arabia,
(3) Al-Rawdah Primary Health Care Center 1, Riyadh, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(4) Damad General Hospital – Jazan Health Cluster – Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(5) Prince Mohammed Bin Nasser Hospital – Jazan – Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(6) Itidal Mohammed Alnam, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(7) Al Rawdah Primary Health Care Center – Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(8) Virtual Health Hospital – Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(9) Al-Najamiyah Health Center – Jazan Health Cluster – Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(10) Medina General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is a cornerstone in managing mechanically ventilated patients, offering critical insights into oxygenation, ventilation, and acid–base balance. Nurses play a pivotal role in interpreting ABG results and adjusting ventilator settings to optimize patient outcomes.


Aim: This study aims to highlight the significance of ABG-guided ventilator optimization within nursing practice and its impact on patient safety and clinical outcomes.


Methods: A comprehensive review of physiological principles, ventilator parameters, and ABG interpretation was conducted, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for individualized ventilator adjustments. Special considerations for conditions such as COPD, ARDS, asthma, restrictive lung disease, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema were analyzed.


Results: ABG-guided interventions enable precise ventilator adjustments, improving oxygenation and ventilation while minimizing complications like volutrauma, barotrauma, and oxygen toxicity. Disease-specific strategies, including low tidal volumes for ARDS and prolonged expiratory times for obstructive disorders, were identified as critical for safe ventilation.


Conclusion: Integrating ABG analysis with ventilator management enhances patient safety, reduces complications, and supports individualized care. Interprofessional collaboration and continuous monitoring are essential for effective implementation.

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Authors

Ruwaidat Al-Ardh Hospital Jamla Omar Hady
joalqhtani@moh.gov.sa (Primary Contact)
Halimah Obaid Alradhady
Samiha Saeed Moshbab Alasmari
Munirah Aql Almutairi
Munirah Aql Almutairi
Safiah Mohammed Saghir Maghfuri
Itidal Mohammed Alnam
Mona Aqlaa Alenazi
Sharifa Ahmed Khormi
Taher Hassan Ali Sumaily
Abdulrahman Zaal Saad Albalawi
Jamla Omar Hady, R. A.-A. H., Halimah Obaid Alradhady, Samiha Saeed Moshbab Alasmari, Munirah Aql Almutairi, Munirah Aql Almutairi, Safiah Mohammed Saghir Maghfuri, … Abdulrahman Zaal Saad Albalawi. (2025). Arterial Blood Gas–Guided Optimization of Mechanical Ventilation in Nursing Practice. Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 2(2), 3047–3055. https://doi.org/10.64483/202522530

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