NCLEX RN Practice Question # 900
NCLEX Examination.
Practice Question # 900.
nclex examination.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
A form of acute respiratory failure that occurs as a complication caused by a diffuse lung injury or critical illness and leads to extravascular lung fluid.
The major site of injury is the alveolar capillary membrane.
The interstitial edema causes compression and obliteration of the terminal airways and leads to reduced lung volume and compliance.
The ABG levels identify respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia that do not respond to an increased percentage of oxygen.
The chest x-ray shows bilateral interstitial and alveolar infiltrates; interstitial edema may not be noted until there is a 30% increase in fluid content.
Causes include sepsis, fluid overload, shock, trauma, neurological injuries, burns, DIC, drug ingestion, aspiration, and inhalation of toxic substances.