Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

• A sequela of several diseases in which the lungs fill with water, making gas exchange impossible

Etiology

• Results from unknown cause.

• Predisposing factors

  • Pneumonia

  • Near drowning or Reaction to drugs and inhaled gases

  • Allergic reactions (pulmonary)

  • Shock Infection

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Trauma

  • Burns

Pathophysiology

• Increased permeability of alveolar-capillary membrane

• penetration of protein and fluid from the IV compartment into the pulmonary

• interstitial and alveoli

• noncardiac pulmonary edema

• Plasma protein inactivates surfactant

• injury to the alveolar cells

• surface tension

• Increased pressure from excessive fluid and increased surface tension

• Alveolar collapse

• Stiffening of the lungs

• Difficulty in inflation

• Decreased lung compliance and increased work of breathing

Symptoms include:

• Crackles and gurgles

• Hypoxemia due to poor diffusion

• Respiratory distress

• X-ray result – mass consolidation

• ABG Analysis: Respiratory acidosis

Nursing Interventions

• Monitor fluid intake

• Administer steroids as ordered - reduce inflammation

• Assess for complication like pneumothorax

• Institute PEEP as ordered

• Provide care necessary for a mechanical ventilator

• Protecting the airway from injury

• Relieve anxiety