Key Components of a Concept Map for Impaired Gas Exchange
Key Components of a Concept Map for Impaired Gas Exchange
Its application in the care of a patient with an impaired gas exchange organizes the important concepts of the patient. That should be in a format that is easily understandable. This approach assists the nurses to come up with an integrated plan of care by mapping how the causes affect the system that concerns respiration.
Assessment
- Vital Signs: Notable physical activity rates such as respiration, blood pressure as well as the pulse should be documented. Some disturbances in these parts can lead to a problem with gas exchange.
- Oxygen Levels: Take oxygen level by pulse oximetry. Measure arterial blood gasses more accurately to know the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Physical Symptoms: Some signs of reduced gas exchange include; cyanosis; shortness of breath; confusion or anxiety.
- Medical History: List down respiratory illnesses such as asthma, COPD or current flu that may have compromised the patient’s gas exchange.
Diagnosis
- Reinforce the compromised gas exchange based on the assessment history, check for signs.
- See factors that can lead to the development of the problem, for instance, presence of other respiratory diseases.
- Set up nursing diagnoses like “breath for impaired lung expansion” or “airway clearance for ineffective” so far.
Interventions
- Positioning: Advise the patient to adopt a semi-Fowler’s or high Fowler’s position to enhance lung ventilation and increase oxygen levels.
- Oxygen Therapy: Give additional oxygen as ordered, to ensure that levels are within the desired range. This can be done with nasal cannula, face mask, or with other techniques in accordance with the patient’s requirement.
- Medications: Prescribed bronchodilators, corticosteroids or antibiotics as part of medication list to decrease airway inflammation and infection.
- Suctioning: It is advisable to occasionally use suctioning methods to produce clean air passages free from the excessive production of sputum.
Evaluation
- Vital Signs and Symptoms: Evaluate the implementation of interventions through the monitoring of vital signs, SpO2 and physical status.
- Monitor Results: Check blood gas if performed and determine whether the patient is at a desired level of oxygen and CO2.
- Adjust Care Plan as Needed: Reallocate care and concern by more or less as per the patient’s response to the treatment.
