impaired gas exchange


exchange

 [eks-chānj´] 1. the substitution of one thing for another.2. to substitute one thing for another.gas exchange the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide in opposite directions across the membrane" >alveolocapillary membrane.health care information exchange in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as providing patient care information to health professionals in other agencies.impaired gas exchange a nursing diagnosis approved by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as excess or deficit in oxygenation and/or carbon dioxide elimination at the membrane" >alveolocapillary membrane (see exchange" >gas exchange). Etiological and contributing factors include an altered oxygen supply, changes in the alveolar-capillary membrane, altered blood flow, and altered oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Defining characteristics include changes in mental status such as confusion, somnolence, restlessness, and irritability; ineffective coughing and inability to move secretions from the air passages; hypercapnia; and hypoxia. For specific medical treatments and nursing interventions, see airway clearance, ineffective" >airway clearance, ineffective; patterns, ineffective" >breathing patterns, ineffective; chronic airflow limitation" >chronic airflow limitation; and anemia.plasma exchange see plasma exchange." >plasma exchange.

im·pair·ed gas ex·change

(im-pārd gas eks-chānj) A nursing diagnosis for a patient suffering current or future problems with oxygen/carbon dioxide balance.