The nurse develops a plan for impaired gas exchange for a patient with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding best helps the nurse to know when the goal has been reached?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best indicator for impaired gas exchange is the patient's oxygen saturation level. Normal oxygen saturation levels range from 95% to 100%, and anything below 90% is considered to be critically low. Therefore, a goal for a patient with impaired gas exchange is to achieve an oxygen saturation level of 92% or higher, indicating that the patient's gas exchange has improved. While alertness and orientation are important, they do not specifically indicate adequate gas exchange. The ability to clear the airway and use pursed lip breathing can be helpful in managing COPD, but they do not directly measure gas exchange.

The Nurse Develops a Plan for Impaired Gas Exchange for a Patient