Critical care nursing quarterly
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ARDS or acute respiratory distress syndrome continues to be a considerable critical care challenge. Mortality has not decreased significantly over the last more than 30 years. This article presents an overview of origin, evaluation, and treatment of ARDS. ⋯ Clinical and radiologic descriptors in assessment of the patient with ARDS are discussed. Ventilatory modes and nursing interventions to optimize patient outcomes are identified. The challenges of outcomes issues presented offer opportunities for further study.
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Respiratory failure is defined as a failure in gas exchange due to an impaired respiratory system--either pump or lung failure, or both. The hallmark of respiratory failure is impairment in arterial blood gases. ⋯ The possible causes of respiratory failure are then briefly mentioned and a quick reference to the clinical evaluation of such patients is made. Finally treatment options are briefly outlined for both acute and chronic respiratory failure.