Impaired Gas Exchange: Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
🎓 Educational reference. Match to your patient's actual assessment data and have your instructor review it.
Definition: Excess or deficit in oxygenation and/or carbon-dioxide elimination at the alveolar-capillary membrane.
Related factors ("related to")
- Alveolar inflammation or fluid
- Airflow limitation
- Ventilation-perfusion mismatch
Defining characteristics ("as evidenced by")
- Low SpO₂ / abnormal blood gases
- Dyspnea, abnormal breathing pattern
- Abnormal breath sounds, cyanosis
Sample goals / outcomes
- Patient maintains SpO₂ within the ordered target and reports easier breathing.
Nursing interventions
- Monitor respiratory status and SpO₂
- Administer oxygen and medications as ordered
- Position upright and encourage deep breathing
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Build a care plan freeImpaired Gas Exchange nursing diagnosis: FAQ
What is the Impaired Gas Exchange nursing diagnosis?
Excess or deficit in oxygenation and/or carbon-dioxide elimination at the alveolar-capillary membrane.
What are the related factors for Impaired Gas Exchange?
Common related factors: Alveolar inflammation or fluid; Airflow limitation; Ventilation-perfusion mismatch. In your care plan, write it as "Impaired Gas Exchange related to [factor] as evidenced by [your patient's data]."
What are nursing interventions for Impaired Gas Exchange?
Key interventions: Monitor respiratory status and SpO₂; Administer oxygen and medications as ordered; Position upright and encourage deep breathing — each with a rationale in your plan.
Last reviewed 2026-07. Educational content in standard clinical language; not medical advice and not affiliated with NANDA-I/NIC/NOC.