Question

The nurse is assigned a group of patients. Which patient would the nurse identify as being at increased risk for impaired gas exchange?

A) with a hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL
B) with a blood glucose of 350 mg/dL
C) who has been on anticoagulants for 10 days
D) with a heart rate of 100 beats/min and blood pressure of 100/60

Answer 1

The patient with a hemoglobin level of 8.5 g/dL is at increased risk for impaired gas exchange due to insufficient hemoglobin affecting oxygen transport.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient identified as being at increased risk for impaired gas exchange is the one with a hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL. Hemoglobin is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and an insufficient level of hemoglobin means tissues may not receive enough oxygen (hypoxemia), which can result in anemia and impaired gas exchange. This can impact the body's functions severely, as the red blood cells are less able to carry oxygen to vital organs and tissues.