A 10-year-old boy is brought to the clinic for a follow-up examination. The patient was admitted to the hospital 2 months ago after a nonfatal drowning event that resulted in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. He was intubated and mechanically ventilated for 1 week and then discharged 2 weeks later. The patient currently feels well and reports mild dyspnea with exertion. Which of the following parameters is most likely increased in this patient compared to a child with normal cardiopulmonary function?

Question

A 10-year-old boy is brought to the clinic for a follow-up examination.  The patient was admitted to the hospital 2 months ago after a nonfatal drowning event that resulted in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.  He was intubated and mechanically ventilated for 1 week and then discharged 2 weeks later.  The patient currently feels well and reports mild dyspnea with exertion.  Which of the following parameters is most likely increased in this patient compared to a child with normal cardiopulmonary function?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome commonly have reduced lung function that persists for months or years and is sometimes permanent.  The majority of patients have reduced diffusion capacity that eventually normalizes after several years, whereas a small percentage develop extensive fibrosis with a marked and permanent reduction in diffusion capacity.

A 10-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Clinic for a Follow-Up