Gas Exchange Flashcards
The nurse is assigned a group of patients. Which patient finding would the nurse identify as a
factor leading to increased risk for impaired gas exchange?
Hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL
The hemoglobin is low (anemia), therefore the ability of the blood to carry oxygen is
decreased
Follow range: 12 - 17.5
The nurse is reviewing the patient’s arterial blood gas results. The PaO2 is 96 mm Hg, pH is 7.20, PaCO2 is 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 is 25 mEq/L. What might the nurse expect to observe on assessment of this patient?
Disorientation and tremors
The patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis (pH and PaCO2) which may be manifested
by disorientation, tremors, possible seizures, and decreased level of consciousness
The nurse would identify which patient condition as a problem of impaired gas exchange secondary to a perfusion problem?
Peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities
Perfusion relates to the ability of the blood to deliver oxygen to the cellular level and return
the carbon dioxide to the lung for removal
The nurse is assessing a patient’s differential white blood cell count. What implications would
this test have on evaluating the adequacy of a patient’s gas exchange?
An elevation of the total white cell count indicates generalized inflammation.
Elevation of total white cell count is indicative of inflammation that is often due to an
infection. Upper respiratory infections are common problems in altering a patient’s gas
exchange
The acid-base status of a patient is dependent on normal gas exchange. Which patient would
the nurse identify as having an increased risk for the development of respiratory acidosis?
Chronic lung disease with increased carbon dioxide retention
Respiratory acidosis is caused by an increase in retention of carbon dioxide, regardless of the
underlying disease
Which patient finding would the nurse identify as being a risk factor for altered transport of
oxygen?
Hemoglobin level of 8.0
Altered transportation of oxygen refers to patients with insufficient red blood cells to transport
the oxygen present
A 3-month-old infant is at increased risk for developing anemia. The nurse would identify
which principle contributing to this risk?
A depletion of fetal hemoglobin occurs.
Fetal hemoglobin is present for about 5 months. The fetal hemoglobin begins deteriorating,
and around 2 to 3 months the infant is at increased risk of developing an anemia due to decreasing levels of hemoglobin.
Which clinical management prevention concept would the nurse identify as representative of
secondary prevention?
Prevention of pneumonia in patients with chronic lung disease
Prevention of and treatment of existing health problems to avoid further complications is an
example of secondary prevention
The nurse would identify which body systems as directly involved in the process of normal
gas exchange? (Multiple Response)
Neurologic system
Pulmonary system
Cardiovascular system
The nurse is assessing a patient for the adequacy of ventilation. What assessment findings
would indicate the patient has good ventilation? (Multiple Response)
Oxygen saturation level is 98%.
Nail beds are pink with good capillary refill.
There is presence of quiet, effortless breath sounds at lung base bilaterally
Oxygen saturation level should be between 95 and 100%; nail beds should be pink with
capillary refill of about 3 seconds; and breath sounds should be present at base of both lungs
