Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

- is a form of acute respiratory failure that occurs as a complication of some other condition, is caused by a diffuse lung injury, and leads to extravascular lung fluid

- major site of injury is the alveolar capillary membrane

- identify respiratiory acidosis and hypoxemia that does not respond to an increased percentage of oxygen

Assessment:

1. tachypnea

2. dyspnea

3. decreased breathsound

4. deteriorating blood gas levels

5. hypoxemia

6. decreased pulmonary compliance

7. pulmonary infiltrates

Interventions:

1. identify and treat cause of the acuter respiratory distress syndrome

2. administer oxygen as prescribed

3. Position client in High fowlers position

4. restrict fluid intake as prescribed

5. provide respiratory treatments as prescribed

6. Administer diuretics, anticoagulants or corticosteroids

7. prepare the client for intubation and mechanical ventilation using PEEP