What information does arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis provide?

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is a critical diagnostic tool in respiratory practice, providing valuable insights into a patient's respiratory and metabolic status. The analysis measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the blood's pH level, which reflects the acidity or alkalinity of the blood.

By assessing oxygen levels, healthcare providers can determine how effectively the lungs are delivering oxygen to the blood. Similarly, measuring carbon dioxide levels allows them to evaluate how well carbon dioxide is being eliminated from the body. The pH level provides important information about the patient's metabolic state. For instance, a decrease in pH indicates acidosis, while an increase suggests alkalosis, allowing for appropriate clinical interventions.

This comprehensive information is critical for diagnosing conditions such as respiratory failure, metabolic disturbances, and monitoring the effectiveness of therapies, making option C a complete and accurate description of the capabilities of ABG analysis.