Nursing case study
A gas diffusion study is a test that can be done to measure how well the lungs in the human
body are functioning. This test is done usually in a specially equipped lab or medical setting. The
equipment used in this study includes the use of a spirometer, specially fitted mouthpiece with
attachments, a harmless gaseous mixture, and a computer. In this study the healthcare
professional will have you be NPO 4-6 hours before the test along with no smoking. Once
cleared and prepped you deep breath the gas mixture and hold it in your lungs for around of 10
seconds, then have you exhale into the spirometer mouthpiece. Once the breath is exhaled a
machine/computer connected to the spirometer will measure how much of the gas remains in
the exhaled breath. This determines how much of the gas the lungs were able to absorb and in
turn gives an analysis on the diffusing capacity of the lungs (Cleveland Clinic n.d.).
This test is usually ordered as an outpatient lab test and is ordered for many different reasons
for people of all ages. These reasons can include chronic or acute breathing problems like SOB,
wheezing/coughing fits, lung damage from unknown or known sources, can help screen people
for underlying conditions, and even measure if certain respiratory treatments are improving or
worsening (Cleveland Clinic n.d.). As the nurse or healthcare provider aiding in this procedure
you would watch vital signs closely for hypoxia, respiratory rate changes, HR, and even BP
changes. There are usually no complications of this procedure, but some people may become
lightheaded due to holding their breath. Once this study is finished the patient is sent home
and followed up with the results of the test or other testing might be needed.
References
Gas diffusion study. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2022, from
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/15445-gas-diffusionstudy#:~:text=A%20gas%20diffusion%20study%20is,exercise%20program%2C%20amon
g%20other%20things.