Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Related

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The patient diagnosed with acute respiratory distress synd rome (ARDS) would exhibit which symptom?

  • A. Decreasing PaO levels despite increased FiO adminis tration
  • B. Elevated alveolar surfactant levels
  • C. Increased lung compliance with increased FiO administration 2
  • D. Respiratory acidosis associated with hyperventilation
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in ARDS, there is a severe impairment in gas exchange leading to hypoxemia. Decreasing PaO2 levels despite increased FiO2 administration indicate poor oxygenation, a hallmark of ARDS. Elevated alveolar surfactant levels (Choice B) do not directly correlate with ARDS pathophysiology. Increased lung compliance with increased FiO2 administration (Choice C) is not characteristic of ARDS, as ARDS leads to decreased lung compliance. Respiratory acidosis associated with hyperventilation (Choice D) is not a typical finding in ARDS, as hyperventilation is usually present in an attempt to compensate for hypoxemia.