Respiratory: Post operative problems

Question 1

What is acute respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 1

Caused by increased permeability og alveolar capillaries leading to fluid accumulation in the alveoli (non cardiogenic pulmonary oedema) It has a mortality of around 40%. 
It can be caused by infection, trauma, blood transfusion, smoke inhalation, pancreatitis
Presents with dyspnoea, elevated respiratory rate, bilateral crackles and low oxygen sats. 
The criteria are as follows
- Acute onset 
- Pulmonary oedema 
- Non cardiogenic
- Low oxygen sats 
Management
- ITU
- Oxygen and ventilation
- Treat underlying cause