What nursing diagnosis is supported by the statement “Altered delivery of inhaled oxygen”?

The statement “Altered delivery of inhaled oxygen” directly relates to the process of gas exchange in the lungs, which involves the movement of oxygen from the air into the bloodstream and the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood into the air. When there is an alteration in the delivery of inhaled oxygen, it means that the lungs are not effectively delivering sufficient oxygen to the alveoli for optimal gas exchange to occur.

Impaired gas exchange can result from various factors such as reduced lung surface area, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, or other pathological conditions affecting lung function. When the delivery of inhaled oxygen is compromised, the body is unable to adequately oxygenate the blood, leading to potential hypoxemia and respiratory distress. This diagnosis effectively encapsulates the core issue relating to the statement, making it the most accurate choice.

Other choices, while related to respiratory issues, do not directly capture the essence of the problem indicated by the phrase "altered delivery of inhaled oxygen." For instance, "ineffective airway clearance" pertains to the ability to remove secretions from the airways, rather than the delivery of oxygen itself. "Decreased oxygen saturation," while a possible consequence of impaired gas exchange, describes a measurement rather than the underlying issue.