ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME
Definition: characterized by the fluid build up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. The fluid
keeps your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This
deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function.
RISK FACTORS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Modifiable: ● Hyperventilation ● Chest radiography
● Environment ● Tachypnea ● Pulse oximetry
● Chronic Illness ● Increasing respiratory effort ● CBC
● Lifestyle ● Cyanosis ● CT Scan
Non-Modifiable: ● Decreasing oxygen saturation ● Electrocardiogram
● Age ● Symptoms of infection ● Echocardiogram
● Throat and nose swabs
MEDICATIONS
● Diuretics - Diuretics are given to patients with ARDS to increase urination in hopes of removing excess
fluid from the body to help prevent fluid build up in the lungs.
● Antibiotics - To treat infection
● Anti-inflammatory drugs - helps reduce inflammation in the lungs
● Methylprednisolone: suppresses systemic inflammation in patients with acute respiratory distress
syndrome.
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
● Supplemental oxygen: For milder symptoms or as a temporary measure, oxygen may be delivered through
a mask that fits tightly over your nose and mouth.
● Mechanical ventilation: Most people with ARDS will need the help of a machine to breathe this will push air
into the lungs and force some of the fluid out of the air sacs.
● Fluids: Carefully managing the amount of intravenous fluids is crucial. Too much fluid can increase fluid
buildup in the lungs. Too little fluid can put a strain on your heart and other organs and lead to shock.
● Medication
● Prevent and treat infections, Relieve pain and discomfort, Prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs,
Minimize gastric reflux, Sedate
NURSING DIAGNOSES
● Ineffective Airway Clearance
● Ineffective Breathing Pattern
● Impaired Gas Exchange
● Anxiety
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
● Identify and treat cause of the Acute respiratory distress syndrome
● Administer oxygen as prescribed.
● Position client in high fowler’s position.
● Restrict fluid intake as prescribed.
● Provide respiratory treatment as prescribed.
● Administer diuretics, anticoagulants or corticosteroids as prescribed.
● Prepare the client for intubation and mechanical ventilation using PEEP.
Definition: characterized by the fluid build up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. The fluid
keeps your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This
deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function.
RISK FACTORS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Modifiable: ● Hyperventilation ● Chest radiography
● Environment ● Tachypnea ● Pulse oximetry
● Chronic Illness ● Increasing respiratory effort ● CBC
● Lifestyle ● Cyanosis ● CT Scan
Non-Modifiable: ● Decreasing oxygen saturation ● Electrocardiogram
● Age ● Symptoms of infection ● Echocardiogram
● Throat and nose swabs
MEDICATIONS
● Diuretics - Diuretics are given to patients with ARDS to increase urination in hopes of removing excess
fluid from the body to help prevent fluid build up in the lungs.
● Antibiotics - To treat infection
● Anti-inflammatory drugs - helps reduce inflammation in the lungs
● Methylprednisolone: suppresses systemic inflammation in patients with acute respiratory distress
syndrome.
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
● Supplemental oxygen: For milder symptoms or as a temporary measure, oxygen may be delivered through
a mask that fits tightly over your nose and mouth.
● Mechanical ventilation: Most people with ARDS will need the help of a machine to breathe this will push air
into the lungs and force some of the fluid out of the air sacs.
● Fluids: Carefully managing the amount of intravenous fluids is crucial. Too much fluid can increase fluid
buildup in the lungs. Too little fluid can put a strain on your heart and other organs and lead to shock.
● Medication
● Prevent and treat infections, Relieve pain and discomfort, Prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs,
Minimize gastric reflux, Sedate
NURSING DIAGNOSES
● Ineffective Airway Clearance
● Ineffective Breathing Pattern
● Impaired Gas Exchange
● Anxiety
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
● Identify and treat cause of the Acute respiratory distress syndrome
● Administer oxygen as prescribed.
● Position client in high fowler’s position.
● Restrict fluid intake as prescribed.
● Provide respiratory treatment as prescribed.
● Administer diuretics, anticoagulants or corticosteroids as prescribed.
● Prepare the client for intubation and mechanical ventilation using PEEP.
