A patient has been diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). For what other health condition should the healthcare professional assess this patient for as the priority?
A)Heart failure
B)Pneumonia
C)Pulmonary emboli
D)Acute pulmonary edema

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ARDS is a fulminant form of respiratory failure characterized by acute lung inflammation and diffuse alveolocapillary injury not attributed to heart failure or fluid overload. All disorders causing ARDS cause acute immune cell-mediated injury to the alveolocapillary membrane producing massive inflammation, increased capillary permeability, and alveolar flooding with protein-rich fluid that overwhelms ion channels and lymphatic removal of fluid. The most common predisposing factors for ARDS are genetic factors, sepsis, and multiple trauma (especially when multiple transfusions are received). However, there are many other causes, including pneumonia, burns, aspiration, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, pancreatitis, drug overdose, smoke or noxious gas inhalation, oxygen toxicity, radiation therapy, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Alcohol abuse and smoking are preventable environmental risk factors.

A Patient Has Been Diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome