Pediatric HESI Test Bank Related

Review Pediatric HESI Test Bank related questions and content

A client was brought to the emergency room with complains of difficulty of breathing. What can lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

  • A. paO2 of 95, pCO2 of 43, x-ray showing enlarged heart, bradycardia
  • B. Thick green sputum production, paO2 of 74, pH of 7.41
  • C. restlessness, suprasternal retractions, paO2 of 62
  • D. wheezes, slow, deep respirations, pCO2 of 52, pH of 7.35
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute respiratory failure characterized by rapidly progressive dyspnea, hypoxemia, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. The key signs of ARDS include severe respiratory distress, low partial pressure of oxygen (paO2), and bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray. In the given scenario, the client presenting with restlessness and suprasternal retractions along with a paO2 level of 62 indicates severe respiratory distress and hypoxemia, which are consistent with ARDS. Therefore, option C is the most indicative of ARDS among the choices provided.