Which action is a key nursing intervention for impaired gas exchange?

• A. Auscultate breath sounds
• B. Administer intravenous antibiotics
• C. Initiate vigorous exercise
• D. Withhold fluids

Answer: (B)

Assessing how well gases move between the lungs and blood relies on careful bedside evaluation of the respiratory status. Listening to breath sounds is a central nursing action because it provides immediate, actionable information about airflow and airway patency. Detecting crackles, diminished or absent sounds, wheezes, or decreased movement of air helps identify areas of atelectasis, edema, infection, or mucus plugging that impede gas exchange, guiding further interventions such as airway clearance techniques, positioning, and oxygen therapy.

Administering intravenous antibiotics targets an underlying infection but is a pharmacologic treatment rather than a direct, ongoing assessment or support of gas exchange. Initiating vigorous exercise would increase oxygen demand and could worsen dyspnea in someone with impaired gas exchange. Withholding fluids is not a standard strategy for improving gas exchange and can risk dehydration, which may thicken secretions and worsen airway clearance; fluid management should be individualized based on the patient’s overall status.