This presentation explores clinical laboratory studies of arterial blood gases (ABGs) and oxygen status within a patient. You will discover how arterial blood gases relate to patient status and how testing can impact on a PT treatment and plan of care, and how to utilize those results to modify intervention based on these findings. We will also discuss the relationship between a patient’s oxygen saturation, as found on pulse oximetry devices, and how that relates to a patient’s ABGs and other symptom presentations. This presentation will also cover lab values analysis, including interpreting values that require careful thought when exercising a patient.

Upon completing this course, the learner will be able to –

• Interpret the results of pulmonary diagnostic tests including objective information derived from laboratory, diagnostic, and procedure data.
• Create a physical therapy treatment plan based on degree of abnormality of laboratory values and provide rationale for postponing physical therapy intervention when a patient has critical pulmonary findings.
• Determine modifications and appropriateness for exercise based on pulmonary lab values and diagnostic testing.
• Analyze lab values that may change based on the inter-relationship of the pulmonary system with other bodily systems .