Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Question 0

ARDS in two words

Answer 0

Alveoli collapse

Question 1

Acute respiratory distress

Answer 1

Not a disease but the result of a disease.

Sudden, progressive pulmonary disorder characterized by dyspnea, hypoxemia, diffuse bilateral infiltrate.

Question 2

Risk factors

Answer 2

Shock (septic and hypovolemic)
Aspiration
Infection (causes alveoli to collapse)
Drug overdose
Trauma

Question 3

Assessment data

Answer 3

Increased respiratory rate
Dyspnea 
Hypoxemia refractory to high volume oxygen therapy 
Diffuse bilateral infiltrate (white out on X-ray)
Pink frothy sputum 
Change in LOC
Hypotension, decreased CO
Tachycardia
Cool clammy

Question 4

Diagnostic tests

Answer 4

Chest X-ray
Sputum cultures
ABGs
Increases WBC, BUN/creatinine, liver function
Increases blood glucose

Question 5

Corticosteroid use

Answer 5

Decreases pulmonary inflammation

Question 6

PEEP

Answer 6

Positive end expiratory pressure

At the end of expiration the ventilator pushes positive pressure to open alveoli to allow gas exchange to occur

Question 7

Suctioning

Answer 7

10 seconds at a time
Hyperoxygenate before
Sterile to prevent pneumonia

Question 8

Mechanical ventilation

Answer 8

Used with life threatening hypoxemia when supplemental oxygen isn’t enough

Question 9

Nursing responsibilities during intubation

Answer 9

Hold patient down
Sedatives 
Listen to lung sounds 
Watch oxygen sats 
Be ready to auction

Question 10

Weaning off respirator

Answer 10

Well rested stable patient
Head of bed raised
Decrease pain and anxiety
ABGs to assess tolerance

Question 11

Failure to wean

Answer 11

Increased respiratory rate
Increased heart rate and blood pressure 
Decreased spO2
Diaphorisis
Nausea
Anxiety