NR 324 Week 2 Altered Gas Exchange

NR 324 Week 2 Altered Gas Exchange

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-324 Adult Health I

Prof. Name

Date

Altered Gas Exchange: Nursing Care

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.

Diagnostic Tests

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.

Interprofessional Care

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.

NR 324 Week 2 Altered Gas Exchange

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).