What is ARDS?

- Acute Resp. Failure with these features:

-Refractory hypoxemia

-Decreased pulmonary compliance

-Dyspnea

What is refractory hypoxemia?

- No matter how much oxygen the patient is on, the O2 sats are not getting any better

Is ARDS reversible?

- Yes, it is reversible but it needs to e caught early. It can progress to Resp. Failure!

What are some common causes of an acute lung injury?

- Shock

Trauma

Serious nervous system injury

Pancreatitis

Sepsis

Fat and amniotic fluid emboli

Inhalation of smoke

Drug ingestion

What are common assessment findings with ARDS?

- *Clear lung sounds early and crackles late*

*Dysrhythmias*

Increased RR

Hypoxia

Pallor

Cyanosis