A 50-year-old patient who is 72 hours post-operative repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm suddenly becomes dyspneic and his respiratory rate increases from 24 to 40/min. An arterial blood gas sample obtained while the patient is receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula at 6L/min reveals pH of 7.50, pCO2 of 31 and pO2 of 48. A chest x-ray is obtained and a "ground-glass-like appearance" is reported. Auscultation of the lungs reveals basilar rales that were not previously present. On the basis of this information, the nurse should suspect that the patient has developed

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient with 72 hours post-operative repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and who has become dyspneic with increased respiratory rate increases from 24 to 40/min is likely to develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a severe lung disease characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma leading to impaired gas exchange with concomitant systemic release of inflammatory mediators causing inflammation, hypoxemia and frequently resulting in multiple organ failure. This condition is often fatal, usually requiring mechanical ventilation and admission to an intensive care unit. A less severe form is called acute lung injury (ALI).

A 50-Year-Old Patient Who Is 72 Hours Post-Operative Repair of a Ruptured