Impaired Gas Exchange

Definition
Excess or deficit in oxygenation and/or carbon dioxide elimination at the alveolar-capillary
membrane
Defining Characteristics
Abnormal arterial blood gases; abnormal arterial pH; abnormal breathing pattern (e.g., rate,
rhythm, depth); abnormal skin color (e.g., pale, dusky, cyanosis); confusion; cyanosis; decrease
in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels; diaphoresis; dyspnea; headache upon awakening; hypercapnia;
hypoxemia; hypoxia; irritability; nasal flaring; restlessness, somnolence; tachycardia; visual
disturbances
Related Factors (r/t)
Alveolar-capillary membrane changes; ventilation-perfusion imbalance

Dysfunctional Gastrointestinal motility

Definition
Increased, decreased, ineffective, or lack of peristaltic activity within the gastrointestinal system
Defining Characteristics
Abdominal cramping; abdominal distention; abdominal pain; absence of flatus; acceleration of
gastric emptying; bile-colored gastric residual; change in bowel sounds; diarrhea; difficulty with
defecation; hard, formed stool; increase in gastric residual; nausea; regurgitation; vomiting
Related Factors (r/t)
Aging; anxiety; enteral feedings; food intolerance; immobility; ingestion of contaminated
material (e.g., radioactive, food, water); malnutrition; prematurity; sedentary lifestyle; treatment
regimen

Grieving
Definition
A normal complex process that includes emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and intellectual
responses and behaviors by which individuals, families, and communities incorporate an actual,
anticipated, or perceived loss into their daily lives
Defining Characteristics
Alteration in activity level; alteration in dream pattern; alteration in immune functioning;
alteration in neuroendocrine functioning; alteration in sleep pattern; anger; blaming; despair;
detachment; disorganization; finding meaning in a loss; guilt about feeling relieved; maintaining
a connection to the deceased; pain; panic behavior; personal growth; psychological distress;
suffering
Related Factors (r/t) Anticipatory loss of significant object (e.g., possession, job status);
anticipatory loss of significant other; death of significant other; loss of significant object (e.g.,
possession, job, status, home, body part)