Davis Advantage Ch. 27- Acute Respiratory
Distress Syndrome Questions and Answers
Correctly solved
Which assessment findings would the nurse expect to observe in a client diagnosed with acute
respiratory distress syndrome in the exudative phase? Select all that apply.
1. Decreased heart rate
2. Increased respiratory rate
3. Respiratory alkalosis
4. Increased cardiac output
5. Productive cough - Answer 2. Increased respiratory rate
3. Respiratory alkalosis
4. Increased cardiac output
Which finding in the client's history should the nurse rule out as a contributing factor in the
development of acute respiratory distress syndrome?
1. Pulmonary embolism
2. Recurrent pneumonia
3. Left-sided heart failure
4. Drug/alcohol overdose - Answer 3. Left-sided heart failure
The nurse is caring for a client being treated for refractory hypoxemia for acute respiratory distress
syndrome. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate next?
1. Apply a non-rebreather mask
2. Prepare for chest tube placement
3. Place on mechanical ventilation
4. The client will receive bedside bronchoscopy - Answer 3. Place on mechanical ventilation
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome on mechanical
ventilation. Which ventilator setting should the nurse question?
, 1. High tidal volume
2. High positive-end expiratory pressure
3. High-frequency oscillating ventilation
4. Airway pressure release ventilation - Answer 1. High tidal volume
When caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome who is on mechanical
ventilation, the nurse should place the client in what position to improve oxygenation?
1. Fowler's
2. Semi-Fowler's
3. Trendelenburg
4. Prone - Answer 4. Prone
This or That?
Respiratory Assessment
Auscultate Heart Sounds
Monitor Pulse Oximetry - Answer Monitor Pulse Oximetry
Hypoxemia refractory to the administration of oxygen therapy is common in clients who are diagnosed
with ARDS; therefore, the priority nursing action is to monitor pulse oximetry readings. A decrease in
pulse oximetry readings from the baseline occurs due to intrapulmonary shunting. While auscultating
heart sounds may be required, it is more appropriate to auscultate lung sounds as crackles may be
present due to fluid buildup or lung sounds may be diminished due to atelectasis and fibrotic changes in
the lungs.
This or That?
Vital Signs
Monitor for bradycardia
Monitor for tachypnea - Answer Monitor for tachypnea
Distress Syndrome Questions and Answers
Correctly solved
Which assessment findings would the nurse expect to observe in a client diagnosed with acute
respiratory distress syndrome in the exudative phase? Select all that apply.
1. Decreased heart rate
2. Increased respiratory rate
3. Respiratory alkalosis
4. Increased cardiac output
5. Productive cough - Answer 2. Increased respiratory rate
3. Respiratory alkalosis
4. Increased cardiac output
Which finding in the client's history should the nurse rule out as a contributing factor in the
development of acute respiratory distress syndrome?
1. Pulmonary embolism
2. Recurrent pneumonia
3. Left-sided heart failure
4. Drug/alcohol overdose - Answer 3. Left-sided heart failure
The nurse is caring for a client being treated for refractory hypoxemia for acute respiratory distress
syndrome. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate next?
1. Apply a non-rebreather mask
2. Prepare for chest tube placement
3. Place on mechanical ventilation
4. The client will receive bedside bronchoscopy - Answer 3. Place on mechanical ventilation
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome on mechanical
ventilation. Which ventilator setting should the nurse question?
, 1. High tidal volume
2. High positive-end expiratory pressure
3. High-frequency oscillating ventilation
4. Airway pressure release ventilation - Answer 1. High tidal volume
When caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome who is on mechanical
ventilation, the nurse should place the client in what position to improve oxygenation?
1. Fowler's
2. Semi-Fowler's
3. Trendelenburg
4. Prone - Answer 4. Prone
This or That?
Respiratory Assessment
Auscultate Heart Sounds
Monitor Pulse Oximetry - Answer Monitor Pulse Oximetry
Hypoxemia refractory to the administration of oxygen therapy is common in clients who are diagnosed
with ARDS; therefore, the priority nursing action is to monitor pulse oximetry readings. A decrease in
pulse oximetry readings from the baseline occurs due to intrapulmonary shunting. While auscultating
heart sounds may be required, it is more appropriate to auscultate lung sounds as crackles may be
present due to fluid buildup or lung sounds may be diminished due to atelectasis and fibrotic changes in
the lungs.
This or That?
Vital Signs
Monitor for bradycardia
Monitor for tachypnea - Answer Monitor for tachypnea
