Abnormal Blood Gas Level C0476337
An imbalance in blood gases, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, or pH levels, which reflects how well the lungs and metabolism are functioning. It can occur in people with respiratory illness, metabolic disorders, or critical illness. Treatment depends on identifying and correcting the specific abnormality.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- E88.9
- ICD-11
- 5A00.0
- Body system
- metabolic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or fingernail beds due to low oxygen in blood.
Cyanosis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate emergency care if cyanosis develops.
Loss of consciousness
Fainting, passing out, or inability to respond to stimuli, indicating severe metabolic disturbance.
This is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately if someone loses consciousness.
Shortness of breath
(respiratory)Difficulty breathing or feeling like you cannot get enough air, often worsening with exertion.
Frequency: 70-90% of patients
Confusion
(neurologic)Mental clouding, difficulty concentrating, or feeling disoriented to time and place.
Frequency: 60-80% of patients
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy that does not improve with rest.
Frequency: 50-70% of patients
Nausea and vomiting
(gastrointestinal)Feeling sick to the stomach with urge to vomit, may accompany abdominal discomfort.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Muscle weakness
(neurologic)Reduced muscle strength, heaviness in limbs, or difficulty performing usual physical tasks.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Rapid heart rate
(cardiovascular)Heart beating faster than normal, often felt as pounding or racing in the chest.
Frequency: 40-55% of patients
Headache
(neurologic)Persistent or worsening head pain, often described as dull, throbbing, or pressure-like.
Frequency: 35-50% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Comprehensive blood gas analysis
Laboratory assessment of pH, pCO2, pO2, and bicarbonate levels to precisely characterize the acid-base disturbance and guide appropriate intervention.
Dietary counseling and physical activity plan
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Supplemental oxygen therapy
Controlled oxygen administration to address hypoxemia while carefully avoiding respiratory depression in patients with hypercapnia. Target SpO2 typically 88-92% in COPD patients.
Additional treatment options
Acid-base correction therapy
Treatment targeting the underlying cause of acidosis or alkalosis, such as bicarbonate therapy for severe metabolic acidosis or respiratory support for respiratory acidosis.
medicationSmoking cessation and environmental modification
Elimination of smoking and avoidance of air pollutants or high-altitude exposure that can worsen blood gas abnormalities. Indoor air quality improvements are emphasized.
lifestyleCorrective surgery for underlying cause
Surgical intervention when anatomical abnormalities such as chest wall deformities, tumors, or severe obstructive sleep apnea contribute to chronic blood gas derangements.
surgicalWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Blood Gas Level C0476337?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Thoracic Society. Consensus statement on the clinical utility of pulse oximetry. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1993.
Rao VA, Kothari N, Goyal S. Arterial blood gas analysis: clinical implications and interpretation. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2021.
West JB. Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials. 10th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2019.
Bertram S. Blood gas analysis. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2021.
British Thoracic Society. Guidelines for the management of respiratory failure. Thorax. 2001;56 Suppl 1.
Rao VK, Bhattacharjee S, Bhardwaj S. Meta-analysis of arterial blood gas values in critically ill patients: a systematic review. J Crit Care. 2020.
Thompson AE. Evaluation of point-of-care arterial blood gas analysis in emergency departments: a prospective multicenter study. Ann Emerg Med. 2019.
Kirby RR. Blood gas analysis: American Association for Respiratory Care clinical practice guideline. Respir Care. 1992.
Mailey J, Duggan L. Interpretation of arterial blood gases: a practical guide. Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2020.
Severinghaus JW. Simple and accurate equations for human blood O2 dissociation computations. J Appl Physiol. 1979.
Medication Comparisons
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View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy