Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting into the blood.
Causes
ARDS can be caused by any major swelling (inflammation) or injury to the lung. Some common causes include:
- Breathing vomit into the lungs (aspiration)
- Inhaling chemicals
- Pneumonia
- Septic shock
- Trauma
ARDS leads to a buildup of fluid in the air sacs. This fluid prevents enough oxygen from passing into the bloodstream.
The fluid buildup also makes the lungs heavy and stiff, and decreases the lungs' ability to expand. The level of oxygen in the blood can stay dangerously low, even if the person receives oxygen from a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) through a breathing tube (endotracheal tube).
ARDS often occurs along with the failure of other organ systems, such as the liver or the kidneys. Cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use may be risk factors.
Symptoms
- Labored, rapid breathing
- Low blood pressure and organ failure
- Shortness of breath
Nursing Diagnosis for Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Ineffective airway clearance
- Ineffective breathing pattern
- Activity intolerance
- Anxiety (specify level: mild, moderate, severe, panic)
- Disturbed gas exchange
- Risk for aspiration