A nurse is collecting data for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Impaired carbon dioxide elimination due to shunting
Decreased pulmonary arterial pressure due to ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch
Hypoxemia due to dead space
Decreased pulmonary compliance due to stiffness
The Correct Answer is D
A. ARDS is characterized by severe hypoxemia due to shunting, but it typically impairs oxygenation rather than carbon dioxide elimination. The primary issue is the inability to oxygenate blood, not the elimination of carbon dioxide.
B. In ARDS, pulmonary arterial pressure often increases due to pulmonary hypertension caused by widespread inflammation and hypoxemia, not decreased pressure. V/Q mismatch contributes to hypoxemia but does not directly cause decreased pulmonary arterial pressure.
C. While hypoxemia is a hallmark of ARDS, it is primarily due to shunting (where blood passes through unventilated areas of the lung) rather than dead space, which is more associated with conditions like pulmonary embolism.
D. ARDS involves decreased pulmonary compliance due to the stiffness of the lungs, which results from diffuse alveolar damage and the formation of hyaline membranes. This stiffness makes it difficult for the lungs to expand, leading to reduced oxygenation and severe hypoxemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The excretion of calcium by the kidneys is related to electrolyte balance and bone health but does not directly contribute to hydrostatic pressure in the vasculature.
B. Osmotic pressure is the force exerted by solutes (such as plasma proteins) drawing water into the bloodstream, which opposes hydrostatic pressure. It does not directly contribute to hydrostatic pressure but rather counterbalances it.
C. Hydrostatic pressure is primarily generated by the force of the heart's contraction, which pushes blood through the arteries and capillaries. This pressure drives fluid out of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, a crucial process in nutrient and waste exchange.
D. Pressure applied by plasma proteins contributes to oncotic (colloid osmotic) pressure, not hydrostatic pressure. Oncotic pressure pulls fluid into the capillaries, opposing the outward force of hydrostatic pressure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The intracellular space contains most of the body's water: While it is true that the intracellular space holds the majority of the body's water, this statement does not specifically relate to the concept of fluid volume deficit or how the body responds to it.
B. A fluid volume deficit inhibits baroreceptors: In fact, fluid volume deficit activates baroreceptors due to reduced blood pressure, leading to compensatory mechanisms like increased heart rate and vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure.
C. When the body loses water, the intravascular space experiences the water loss: This statement accurately describes the process during fluid volume deficit. The intravascular space loses water, leading to decreased blood volume, which can result in symptoms like hypotension and reduced tissue perfusion.
D. A negative fluid balance occurs when the body takes in more water than the body needs: This statement is incorrect; a negative fluid balance occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, leading to dehydration or fluid volume deficit.
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