Name
Chamberlain University
NR-324 Adult Health I
Prof. Name
Date
In managing a patient with altered gas exchange, a thorough understanding of diagnostic procedures and proper administration of medication is vital. When dealing with sputum collection for a patient experiencing altered gas exchange, it is essential to collect the sputum in the morning as this yields the most accurate results. Blood samples must also be drawn before the sputum is collected. Sputum collection is considered a clean procedure, and should preferably be collected early in the day, but can be collected at any time if necessary.
Healthcare professionals aim to identify the cause of altered gas exchange using various diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas (ABG), oxygen saturation measurements, and sputum analysis. ABG offers a detailed insight into oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, making it a critical test for assessing gas exchange. Venous blood gas is less commonly used, but it can still provide useful information, especially in emergency settings.
When a patient is admitted to the emergency department due to respiratory distress, the healthcare team must focus on the most accurate method to determine altered gas exchange. Among the options, arterial blood gas provides the most precise information, followed by oxygen saturation readings, while the respiratory rate can offer supplementary data.
In an interprofessional approach to altered gas exchange, the administration of medications such as albuterol and prednisone plays a crucial role. The appropriate nursing actions include administering albuterol first, followed by prednisone, assessing the patient’s respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and lung sounds before and after administering medication. Additionally, oxygen should be provided with the nebulizer to aid in breathing, improving the effectiveness of treatment.
Another nursing action for a patient in respiratory distress includes raising the head of the bed to 45 to 90 degrees, administering oxygen as prescribed, and instructing the patient on the benefits of pursed-lip breathing. These interventions aim to improve gas exchange by increasing lung expansion, reducing the workload on the respiratory system, and improving oxygenation.
Aspect | Appropriate Nursing Care | Assessment/Expected Outcomes |
---|---|---|
Diagnostic Tests | 1. Collect sputum in the morning. 2. Ensure blood is drawn before sputum collection. 3. Sputum collection is a clean procedure. | 1. Arterial blood gas (ABG) provides the most accurate data for gas exchange. 2. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate offer additional insights. |
Interprofessional Care | 1. Administer albuterol before prednisone. 2. Assess respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and lung sounds before and after medication administration. | 1. Patient will experience improved lung sounds bilaterally. 2. Decreased respiratory rate and increased oxygen saturation. |
Nursing Actions for Respiratory Distress | 1. Elevate the head of the bed. 2. Administer oxygen as prescribed. 3. Teach pursed-lip breathing techniques to improve breathing efficiency and gas exchange. | 1. Improved gas exchange and oxygen saturation. 2. Reduced respiratory distress and ease of breathing during episodes. |
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
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