Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), its symptoms, etiology, definitions, and treatment protocols.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

A life-threatening inflammatory lung injury that is part of a multi-organ illness.

Etiology of ARDS

Includes severe pneumonia, aspiration, trauma, sepsis, massive blood transfusions, and drug overdose.

Refractory Hypoxemia

A condition where PaO2 cannot be maintained above 50-60 mmHg with an FiO2 of 0.50 or greater.

Berlin Definition of ARDS

Set of criteria for diagnosing ARDS, requiring respiratory symptoms within a week of a clinical event, bilateral opacities, and evidence of respiratory failure.

PaO2/FiO2 Ratio

Metric to assess oxygenation impairment; normal is 500-600, <300 indicates mild ARDS, and <100 indicates severe ARDS.

Clinical Manifestations of ARDS

Symptoms include increased respiratory rate, chest pain, cyanosis, dyspnea, and blood-tinged sputum.

Anatomic Alterations of the Lungs in ARDS

Includes engorged pulmonary capillaries, increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane, and the development of a hyaline membrane.

Treatment for ARDS

Includes oxygen therapy, lung expansion therapy, mechanical ventilation, and the use of corticosteroids.

Pulmonary Function Test Findings in ARDS

Show altered FVC, FEV1, and decreased diffusion capacity.

Clinical Symptoms indicating ARDS

Respiratory failure, bilateral crackles, and dull percussion notes on chest assessment.