The nurse is caring for a patient who is intubated and receiving positive pressure ventilation to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nasogastric drainage indicates possible gastrointestinal bleeding and/or stress ulcer,and should be reported.The pH and PaCO₂ are slightly abnormal,but current guidelines advocating for permissive hypercapnia indicate that these would not indicate an immediate need for a change in therapy.The BUN is slightly elevated but does not indicate an immediate need for action.Adventitious breath sounds are commonly heard in patients with ARDS.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Intubated