The hand-held computer (HHC) allows computer technology to be brought inex-pensively to the patient's bedside. In this paper we describe HHC applications software that interprets oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status — and also provides a differential diagnosis and makes suggestions for therapy. Although this software was designed to be used in an emergency department, it has equally useful applications elsewhere such as in critical care units. Computerized arterial blood gas interpretation is especially helpful to students and others who infrequently interpret arterial blood gases. The software described here has been enthusiastically accepted by emergency department personnel in our institution.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
GoldbergM, GreenSB, MossML, MarbachCB, GarfinkelD.Computer-based instruction and diagnosis of acid-base disorders. JAMA1973;223:269–275.
2.
MooreMJ, BleichHL. Consulting the computer about acid-base disorders. Respir Care1982;27:834–838.
3.
GardnerREM, CrapoRO, MorrisAH, BeusML. Computerized decision-making in the pulmonary function laboratories. Respir Care1982;27:799–808.
4.
MartinL, JeffreysB.Use of a minicomputer for storing, reporting, and interpreting arterial blood gases/pH and pleural fluid pH. Respir Care1983;28:301–308.
5.
MartinL, JeffreysB.A microcomputer-based system for storing, reporting, and interpreting arterial blood gas data. Proceedings, Eighth Annual Symposium on Computer Applications in Medical Care, New York, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, 1984, 761–764.
6.
BleichHL. Computer evaluation of acid-based disorders. J Clin Invest1969;48:1689–1696.
7.
SilageDA, MaxwellC.An acid-base map/arterial blood-gas interpretation program for hand-held computers. Respir Care1984;29:833–838.
8.
HessD, SilageDA, MaxwellC.An arterial blood gas interpretation program for hand-held computers. Respir Care1984;29:756–759.
9.
MaxwellC, HessD, SilageDA. Clinical application of the hand-held computer in respiratory critical care. Crit Care Q1983;Sept:85–91.
10.
HessD.The hand-held computer as a teaching tool for acid-base interpretation. Respir Care1984;29:375–379.
11.
AndritschRF, MuravchickS, GoldMI. Temperature correction of arterial blood gas parameters: A comparison of methodology. Anesthesiology1981;55:311–316.
12.
SpearmanCS, SheltonRL, eds. Egan's Fundamentals of Respiratory Therapy. St. Louis: CV Mosby Co, 1982:717.
13.
GilbertR, KeighleyJF. The arterial/alveolar oxygen tension ratio. An index to gas exchange applicable to varying oxygen concentrations. Am Rev Respir Dis1974;109:142–145.
14.
MaxwellC, HessD, ShefetD.Use of the arterial/alveolar oxygen tension ratio to predict the inspired oxygen concentration needed for a desired arterial oxygen tension. Respir Care1984;29:1135–1139.
15.
DejoursP.Respiration. New York, Oxford University Press, 1966:53,143.
16.
SeleckyPA, WassermanK, KleinM, . A graphic approach to assessing interrelationships among minute ventilation, arterial carbon dioxide tension, and ratio of physiologic dead space to tidal volume in patients on respirators. Am Rev Respir Dis1978;117:181–184.
17.
LevesquePR, RosenbergH.Rapid bedside estimation of wasted ventilation (VD/VT). Anesthesiology1975;42:98–100.
18.
SladenA.Acid-base balance. In: Textbook of Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Dallas: American Heart Association, 1981.
19.
MargolisCZ. Uses of clinical algorithms. JAMA1983;249:627–632.
20.
HingstonDM, IrwinRS, PratterMR, DalenJE. A computerized interpretation of arterial pH and blood gas data: Do physicians need it?Respir Care1982;27:809–815.
21.
BroughtonJO, KennedyTC. Interpretation of arterial blood gases by computer (editorial). Chest1984;85:148–149.
