Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Which clinical manifestation does the nurse correctly attribute to hypoxia in a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

A) Fluid imbalance

B) Hypertension

C) Bradycardia

D) Dyspnea

The nurse is providing care to a client admitted to the emergency department with the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). When educating the client's family, what should the nurse say is the expected progression of the disease process?

A) Initiation of ARDS

B) Onset of pulmonary edema

D) Alveolar collapse

C) End-stage ARDS

The nurse is providing care to a client with sepsis due to a severely infected leg wound. The client states that he is having trouble breathing. Upon assessment, the nurse notes dyspnea, a respiratory rate of 32, the use of accessory muscles to breathe, and rales and rhonchi upon auscultation of the lungs. The nurse recognizes these findings as characteristic of what condition?

A) Allergic response from antibiotic therapy

B) Deep vein thrombosis

C) Acute respiratory distress syndrome

D) Anemia

A client with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute has an oxygen saturation of 82%. Which nursing diagnosis is a priority for this client?

A) Risk for Infection

B) Impaired Spontaneous Ventilation

C) Risk for Acute Confusion

D) Decreased Cardiac Output

A client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is being weaned from ventilatory support. Which nursing actions are appropriate for this client? Select all that apply.

A) Increase percentage of oxygen being provided through the ventilator.

B) Place in the Fowler position.

C) Provide morning care during the weaning procedures.

D) Begin weaning procedures in the morning.

E) Medicate with morphine for pain as needed.

A client receiving treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is demonstrating anxiety related to having to stay on the ventilator indefinitely. Which interventions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.

A) Explain about care areas specifically designed for long-term ventilatory support.

B) Dim the lights and reduce distracting noise, such as the television.

C) Instruct that intubation and ventilation are temporary measures.

D) Encourage family visits and participation in care.

E) Remain with the client as much as possible.

Which data supports the nurse's assessment that a newborn with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is improving?

A) Increased PaCO2

B) Oxygen saturation of 92%

C) Pulmonary vascular resistance increases

D) Thick secretions from the respiratory tract

The nurse educator prepares to speak to a group of nursing students about direct and indirect insults to the lungs that may lead to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which conditions will the nurse include in the teaching session? Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a client admitted with septic shock. Which early clinical manifestation might indicate the development of ARDS?

A) Intercostal retractions

B) Cyanosis

C) Tachypnea

D) Tachycardia

A client admitted with smoke inhalation injuries develops signs and symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The nurse anticipates the healthcare provider will prescribe which course of action with regard to oxygenation?

A) Oxygen via a nasal cannula

B) Mechanical ventilation

C) Oxygen via a face mask

D) Oxygen via a Venturi mask

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The client is intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation with positive pressure ventilation. Which assessment finding indicates a decrease of cardiac output secondary to positive pressure ventilation?

A) Blood pressure increases from 88/58 mmHg to 90/60 mmHg

B) Urine output decreases from 30 mL/hr to 25 mL/hr

C) Heart rate drops from 108 bpm to 104 bpm

D) Oxygen saturation increases from 82% to 90%

The nurse is providing care to a client with ARDS who has a tracheostomy. The nurse will monitor the client for complications related to the loss of which protective mechanism?

A) The ability to cough

B) Filtration and humidification of inspired air

C) Decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity of the trachea

D) The sneeze reflex initiated by irritants in the nasal passages

The client with ARDS who is likely to have the poorest outcome is

A) a Hispanic male with pneumonia.

B) an African American male with sepsis.

C) a Caucasian female with sepsis.

D) an African American female with chest trauma.

One primary method for preventing ARDS in hospitalized clients is

A) performing postural drainage for clients with respiratory congestion.

B) elevating the head of the bed for clients who are ingesting food.

C) providing smoking cessation literature to clients who smoke.

D) administering oxygen as ordered by the healthcare provider.

The nurse is caring for a woman who is 32 weeks pregnant and requires mechanical ventilation for ARDS. In addition to standard nursing interventions for adult clients with ARDS, what special interventions need to be implemented for this client?

A) Inducing labor

B) Administering nitric oxide and corticosteroids

C) Providing nutritional support

D) Fetal monitorings