What is the main nursing consideration for a patient with altered gas exchange?

The main nursing consideration for a patient with altered gas exchange is to elevate the head of the bed. This position is critical for several reasons: it helps to improve lung expansion and facilitates better airflow, reducing the work of breathing. By positioning the patient upright or semi-upright, gravity aids the diaphragm in function and allows for improved oxygenation and ventilation.

In cases where gas exchange is compromised, such as in conditions like COPD, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema, elevating the head can relieve pressure on the lungs and increase the size of the thoracic cavity, thus enhancing the patient’s ability to breathe more comfortably and effectively. This intervention is a standard practice in respiratory care to promote optimal oxygenation and support the patient's respiratory status.

Other options, such as monitoring negative pressure room conditions or recording fluid intake and output, while important in specific contexts, do not directly address the primary issue of impaired gas exchange as effectively as positioning offers. Providing regular meals, while also necessary for overall health, does not directly influence respiratory status and is not as critical an intervention in managing altered gas exchange.