exchange

exchange

 [eks-chānj´]

1. the substitution of one thing for another.

2. to substitute one thing for another.

gas exchange the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide in opposite directions across the alveolocapillary membrane.

health care information exchange in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as providing patient care information to health professionals in other agencies.

impaired gas exchange a nursing diagnosis approved by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as excess or deficit in oxygenation and/or carbon dioxide elimination at the alveolocapillary membrane (see gas exchange). Etiological and contributing factors include an altered oxygen supply, changes in the alveolar-capillary membrane, altered blood flow, and altered oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Defining characteristics include changes in mental status such as confusion, somnolence, restlessness, and irritability; ineffective coughing and inability to move secretions from the air passages; hypercapnia; and hypoxia. For specific medical treatments and nursing interventions, see airway clearance, ineffective; breathing patterns, ineffective; chronic airflow limitation; and anemia.

plasma exchange see plasma exchange.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

ex·change

(eks-chānj'),

To substitute one thing for another, or the act of such substitution.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

ex·change

(eks-chānj')

To substitute one thing for another, or the act of such substitution.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012