Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Flashcards
ARDS in two words
Alveoli collapse
Acute respiratory distress
Not a disease but the result of a disease.
Sudden, progressive pulmonary disorder characterized by dyspnea, hypoxemia, diffuse bilateral infiltrate.
Risk factors
Shock (septic and hypovolemic) Aspiration Infection (causes alveoli to collapse) Drug overdose Trauma
Assessment data
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
Diagnostic tests
Chest X-ray Sputum cultures ABGs Increases WBC, BUN/creatinine, liver function Increases blood glucose
Corticosteroid use
Decreases pulmonary inflammation
PEEP
Positive end expiratory pressure
At the end of expiration the ventilator pushes positive pressure to open alveoli to allow gas exchange to occur
Suctioning
10 seconds at a time
Hyperoxygenate before
Sterile to prevent pneumonia
Mechanical ventilation
Used with life threatening hypoxemia when supplemental oxygen isn’t enough
Nursing responsibilities during intubation
Hold patient down Sedatives Listen to lung sounds Watch oxygen sats Be ready to auction
Weaning off respirator
Well rested stable patient
Head of bed raised
Decrease pain and anxiety
ABGs to assess tolerance
Failure to wean
Increased respiratory rate Increased heart rate and blood pressure Decreased spO2 Diaphorisis Nausea Anxiety
