questions about oxygenation

In layman's terms:

I am thinking that altered breathing pattern is probably compensating for *something* and so the patient may or may not show any other symptoms . If they have impaired gas exchange, the patient will be turning blue or may experience ALOC because the body's tissues are not going to be receiving enough oxygen.

Also, altered breathing patterns include any abnormal breathing rates or rhythms and labored breathing.

I hope that made sense. :)

what is the difference between the S/S of altered breathing pattern and impaired gas exchange?

Impaired gas exchange deals with physiological issues that prevent decent oxygenation at the level of the aveolar capillary beds. Factors it is related to are:

• Altered oxygen supply
  
• Alveolar-capillary membrane changes
  
• Altered blood flow
  
• Altered oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
  

Ineffective Breathing Pattern concerns the mechanical act of breathing. Factors it is related to are:

• Inflammatory process: viral or bacterial
  
• Hypoxia
  
• Neuromuscular impairment
  
• Pain
  
• Musculoskeletal impairment
  
• Tracheobronchial obstruction
  
• Perception or cognitive impairment
  
• Anxiety
  
• Decreased energy and fatigue
  
• Decreased lung expansion
  

They are separate problems that are not mutually exclusive and they share similar clinical characteristics (e.g. those of hypoxia), but your interventions may be markedly different.