Adult respiratory distress syndrome.
ARDS or acute respiratory distress syndrome continues to be a considerable critical care challenge. Mortality has not decreased significantly over the last more than 30 years. This article presents an overview of origin, evaluation, and treatment of ARDS. Recent findings relative to onset and precipitators of ARDS have led to changes in evaluation and treatment plans. Clinical and radiologic descriptors in assessment of the patient with ARDS are discussed. Ventilatory modes and nursing interventions to optimize patient outcomes are identified. The challenges of outcomes issues presented offer opportunities for further study.
Kane
Cynthia
C
Suburban Lung Associates, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, USA. cindy.kane@sublung.com
Galanes
Susan
S
D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D002423:Cause of Death; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010808:Physical Examination; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D009569:Nitric Oxide