Content shall include a thoroughly researched response to each of the following statements;
- Name the Medical diagnosis. • Define the Medical diagnosis, • Identify all physical changes that occur due to the disease. • Discuss all risk factors for developing it (disease, environment, lifestyle). • Discuss all possible signs and symptoms. • Discuss how the illness is diagnosed. • Identify all medical treatments the practitioner / physician can order for the diagnosis. • List the names of 7 medications used to treat the diagnosis. • Identify all possible complications of the disorder. • What are 7 nursing interventions that would be indicated for the diagnosis. • Identify the rational for each of the 7 nursing interventions. • Lastly Identify a minimum of 3 APA formatted resources/references used to complete this assignment.
Full Answer Section
II. Risk Factors:
- Diseases: Pneumonia, sepsis, lung injury, severe burns, pancreatitis, shock.
- Environmental: Smoke inhalation, chemical exposure, drowning, near-drowning.
- Lifestyle: Alcohol abuse, smoking, obesity, malnutrition.
IV. Signs and Symptoms:
- Rapid, shallow breathing (tachypnea).
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Difficulty breathing while at rest (rest dyspnea).
- Blueish skin color (cyanosis).
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Confusion, anxiety, restlessness.
V. Diagnosis:
- Chest X-ray: Shows diffuse infiltrates in lungs.
- Arterial blood gas (ABG): Measures low blood oxygen (PaO2) and high carbon dioxide (PaCO2).
- CT scan: Provides detailed lung images.
- Lung biopsy: Rarely, to confirm diagnosis.
VI. Medical Treatments:
- Oxygen therapy: High-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation to support breathing.
- Fluids: Intravenous fluids to improve blood pressure.
- Muscle relaxants: To reduce work of breathing and improve ventilation.
- Pain medication: To manage discomfort and improve breathing mechanics.
- Antibiotics: If pneumonia is present.
- Nutrition support: Enteral or parenteral nutrition to maintain energy and tissue repair.
VII. Medications:
- Furosemide (Lasix): Diuretic to reduce fluid overload.
- Dobutamine: Inotrope to strengthen heart contractions and improve blood pressure.
- Norepinephrine: Vasopressor to increase blood pressure.
- Midazolam (Versed): Sedative to reduce anxiety and improve ventilator tolerance.
- Morphine: Pain medication to improve breathing mechanics.
- Methylprednisolone (Solumedrol): Steroid for severe inflammation and ARDS progression.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Antioxidant to reduce lung injury in specific cases.
VIII. Complications:
- Multiple organ failure
- Pneumonia
- Air embolism
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia
- Barotrauma (lung injury from high pressure ventilation)
- Long-term lung damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
IX. Nursing Interventions (Rationales):
- Monitoring vital signs: Early detection of changes and response to therapy (ensures patient safety).
- Maintaining airway patency: Suctioning secretions, positioning, cough assistance (facilitates oxygen exchange).
- Promoting lung expansion: Chest physiotherapy, deep breathing exercises (improves ventilation, reduces atelectasis).
- Pain management: Medication, non-pharmacological techniques (improves comfort and breathing mechanics).
- Skin care: Preventing pressure injuries (maintains skin integrity and reduces infection risk).
- Meeting nutritional needs: Enteral or parenteral feeding (provides energy and promotes healing).
- Psychological support: Providing reassurance, addressing anxiety (reduces stress and improves coping mechanisms).
X. References:
- Marino, P. L. (2017). Acute respiratory distress syndrome. The New England journal of medicine, 376(19), 1866-1877.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023, July 27). Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ards
- Murray, J. F., Matthay, M. A., Luce, P. M., & Pinsky, M. R. (2016). Clinical practice guidelines for managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): 2016 update. Critical care medicine, 46(1), e138-e168.
Please note: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Sample Answer
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
I. Medical Diagnosis:
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation and fluid buildup in the tiny air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. This impairs oxygen exchange, leading to severe respiratory failure.
II. Physical Changes:
- Lungs: Alveoli become filled with fluid and debris, reducing their surface area for gas exchange.
- Lungs and chest wall: Stiffening due to inflammation, making it harder to breathe.
- Blood vessels: Leaky, causing fluid to accumulate in tissues and decrease blood pressure.
- Other organs: Multiple organ failure may occur due to inadequate oxygen delivery.