Explain what ARDS is. Explain what is significant with her lab results using the ABG normal values and the nursing mnemonic ROME which was also referenced in week #2 of this course. Explain what an appropriate treatment would be.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Answer the following questions about the respiratory system, using the included case study, for this week’s discussion.

• Explain what ARDS is.
• Explain what is significant with her lab results using the ABG normal values and the nursing mnemonic ROME which was also referenced in week #2 of this course.
• Explain what an appropriate treatment would be.

Case Study

Mrs. Breathless is a 43-year-old female, just getting off the late shift. She reports to the ER in the early morning with shortness of breath. She has cyanosis of the lips. She has had a productive cough for 2 weeks. Her temperature is 102.2, blood pressure 110/76, heart rate 108, respiration 32, rapid and shallow. Breath sounds are diminished in both bases, with coarse rhonchi in the upper lobes. Chest X-ray indicates bilateral pneumonia.

ABG (Arterial Blood Gases) Lab results are:

• pH= 7.44
• PaCO2= 28
• HCO3= low
• PaO2= 54

Note: rhonchi are continuous low pitched rattling lung sounds that often resemble snoring or wheezes.

Problems:

• PaCO2 is low.
• pH is on the high side of normal, therefore compensated respiratory alkalosis.
• Also, PaO2 is low, probably due to mucous displacing air in the alveoli affected by the pneumonia.