Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patient Profile Z., 74-year-old Hispanic male, came to the emergency department (ED) 7 days ago with complaints...

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Patient Profile

Z.Q., 74-year-old Hispanic male, came to the emergency department (ED) 7 days ago with complaints of shortness of breath. His wife stated that he had a history of hypertension, depression, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The admission chest x-ray revealed dense consolidation of the left lower lobe. An arterial blood gas (ABG) at that time showed: pH 7.60, PaCO232

Subjective Data

• Z.Q. and wife have been married 45 years and live with a daughter and 2 grandchildren 
• Z.Q. and his wife speak both English and Spanish 

Objective Data

Physical Examination

• Blood pressure 167/98, pulse 112, temperature 102.0° F, respirations 14, oxygen saturation 72% 
• Height 5 feet 6 inches, weight 75 kg 
• Patient localizes to endotracheal tube (ETT) and is intermittently aroused, making several attempts to pull ETT
• Orally intubated #7.5 ETT, taped at 27 cm to lip
• Volume cycled ventilator at FIO2 - 60%, in assist control mode of 14 breath per minute, tidal volume 450, positive end-expiratory pressure PEEP 5 cm H2O
• Breath sounds decreased in bases with bilateral crackles that do not clear after suctioning
• Brown/yellow secretions returned with suctioning
• Peripheral pulses weak at 1/4 with capillary refill greater than 4 seconds
• 2+ pitting edema in the bilateral lower extremities

Newly Obtained Diagnostic Study Results

• Arterial blood gas (ABG) pH 7.31, PaCO2 58 mm/Hg, HC03 28 mmol/L, PaO2 54 mm/Hg, EtCO2 38 mm/Hg
• Chest x-ray reveals diffuse white out in middle and lower lobes; endotracheal tube present with tip well above the carina; left subclavian central venous catheter is located in the superior vena cava
• CT scan reveals alveolar opacities with increasing effusions in the gravity-dependent areas of the lungs

Discussion Questions

Interpret Z.Q.'s latest set of ABGs.

Describe each of Z.Q.'s ventilator settings.

After reviewing Z.Q's ABG results, the physician increases the PEEP from 5 cm H2O to 8 cm H2O. Why would this be necessary and what is the expected outcome associated with this action?

Based on the assessment data, what are the nursing priorities for Z.Q.?

What measures should be part of Z.Q.'s care to promote respiratory function?

List three potential adverse complications with mechanical ventilation.