‼️FINAL ARDS‼️ Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the hallmark sign of ARDS?
A. Hypocapnia
B. Refractory hypoxemia
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypertension
Answer: B. Refractory hypoxemia
Rationale: In ARDS, oxygen levels remain low despite increased supplemental oxygen.
Which is the most common direct cause of ARDS?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Aspiration of gastric contents
C. Brain injury
D. DKA
Answer: B. Aspiration of gastric contents
Rationale: Aspiration directly damages lung tissue, initiating the inflammatory response.
In which phase of ARDS do hyaline membranes form?
A. Fibrotic
B. Reparative
C. Injury/Exudative
D. Recovery
Answer: C. Injury/Exudative
Rationale: Hyaline membranes form during the exudative phase and impair gas exchange.
Which intervention improves oxygenation in patients with ARDS who do not respond to high FiO2?
A. Trendelenburg positioning
B. Prone positioning
C. Supine positioning
D. Fowler’s position
Answer: B. Prone positioning
Rationale: Proning helps recruit posterior alveoli and improves V/Q matching.
A patient with ARDS develops increasing CO2 and respiratory acidosis. What does this likely indicate?
A. Improving compliance
B. Recovery
C. Respiratory fatigue
D. VTE
Answer: C. Respiratory fatigue
Rationale: Rising CO2 signals hypoventilation due to fatigue and worsening gas exchange.
What does the PaO2/FiO2 ratio help determine?
A. Need for intubation
B. ARDS severity
C. Brain perfusion
D. Creatinine clearance
Answer: B. ARDS severity
Rationale: A P/F ratio <300 = mild, <200 = moderate, <100 = severe ARDS.
What causes increased pulmonary capillary permeability in ARDS?
A. Decreased alveolar blood flow
B. Decreased neutrophils
C. Inflammatory mediators
D. Renal compensatory mechanisms
Answer: C. Inflammatory mediators
Rationale: Neutrophils release cytokines and enzymes that damage alveolar-capillary membranes.
What is a potential mechanical ventilation complication in ARDS?
A. Stroke
B. Barotrauma
C. Kidney stones
D. Gastric ulcers
Answer: B. Barotrauma
Rationale: High pressures needed to ventilate stiff lungs can rupture alveoli.
Why are ARDS patients at risk for GI ulcers?
A. High-dose steroids
B. Reduced GI blood flow
C. Hypercapnia
D. Diarrhea
Answer: B. Reduced GI blood flow
Rationale: Blood shunts to vital organs, decreasing GI perfusion and increasing ulcer risk.
What medication is typically used for GI ulcer prevention in ARDS patients?
A. Furosemide
B. Enoxaparin
C. Pantoprazole
D. Digoxin
Answer: C. Pantoprazole
Rationale: PPIs like pantoprazole reduce gastric acid and ulcer formation.
What type of oxygen delivery is expected for moderate to severe ARDS?
A. Room air
B. Nasal cannula
C. High-flow O2 or mechanical ventilation
D. Nonrebreather mask
Answer: C. High-flow O2 or mechanical ventilation
Rationale: Most ARDS patients require intubation and ventilatory support.
In the proliferative phase of ARDS, what worsens lung compliance?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Interstitial fibrosis
C. Sepsis
D. Bronchoconstriction
Answer: B. Interstitial fibrosis
Rationale: Fibrotic tissue stiffens the lungs, reducing compliance.
What is an early clinical sign of ARDS?
A. Hemoptysis
B. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
C. Mild dyspnea and tachypnea
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C. Mild dyspnea and tachypnea
Rationale: ARDS starts subtly with increased respiratory effort before hypoxemia worsens.
Which intervention helps reduce risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?
A. IV diuretics
B. Prone positioning
C. Ventilator bundle protocols
D. Foley catheter placement
Answer: C. Ventilator bundle protocols
Rationale: Bundle care (e.g., oral care, HOB elevation) reduces infection risk.
What can fibrotic remodeling in ARDS lead to?
A. Hypertension
B. Increased lung compliance
C. Decreased gas exchange surface
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: C. Decreased gas exchange surface
Rationale: Fibrosis reduces alveolar surface area for diffusion.
