Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Pathophysiology

Modifiable Risk Factors: Non-modifiable Risk

Factors:
 Smoking
 Obesity  Older age
 Alcohol abuse
 Low protein in the blood
 Oxygen use for a pre-existing lung
condition
 Recent high-risk surgery

Disease process:
The cause of ARDS is fluid leaked from the
smallest blood vessels in the lungs into the tiny air
sacs where blood is oxygenated. Normally, a
protective membrane keeps this fluid in the
vessels. Severe illness or injury, however, can
cause damage to the membrane, leading to the
fluid leakage of ARDS.

Sign and symptoms: Sign and symptoms:

 severe shortness of breath  Blood test

 Cough  Pulse oximetry test
 Confusion  Chest X-ray
 Drowsiness  CT scan
 Fatigue  Echocardiogram
 Hypotension
 Bluish lips and nails
 Fever
 Nursing Diagnosis:
 Ineffective breathing pattern.
 Impaired gas exchange related to increased
alveolar-capillary permeability, interstitial edema
and decreased lung compliance
 Activity intolerance

Independent: Dependent:
Collaborative:
 Suction via endotracheal  Administer analgesics
tube as needed to and/or sedatives as  Monitor oxygen
maintain clear airways ordered saturation and ETCO2
 levels every 30 to 60
 Allow periods of Obtain ABGs as ordered
or indicated; monitor and minutes initially after
uninterrupted rest.
instituting mechanical
 Assess skin color, report results
ventilation; report
capillary refill, and the
changes to the physician
presence of edema every
4 hours.
 Monitor urine output
hourly; report output of
less than 30 mL per hour.
 Assess lung sounds and
chest excursion every 1
to 2 hours.

Complications:
 Infections.
(Pneumonia)
 Pneumothorax
 Lung Scarring
 Blood Clots