ARDS (ADULT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME) A CLOSER LOOK

What is a tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is a small tube which is placed  in the trachea, under sterile conditions. It has an inner cannula which is removed at the time of insertion. 
In most cases, it is inserted after a patient has been intubated.
IDENTIFYING ARDS
This rather complex condition, may be triggered by a number of conditions.
Causes include, but are not confined to: 
- pneumonia, near drowning
- massive blood transfusions
- pancreatitis, trauma, sepsis
In Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome ( ARDS), the lung tissue
becomes very stiff and oxygenation is difficult. The air sacs ( alveoli)
typically, fill with fluid and white patches are seen on X-Ray. The term
"white out" is sometimes used to describe the damaged lungs. Mehanical
ventilation becomes necessary to assist with the workload of breathing.
breath sounds are decreased as ventilation of lung tissue becomes difficult.
Learn more about: The patient on mechanical ventilation 


Clinical scenario: Ali was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of
pancreatitis. She was resting, when she suddenly became short of breath
and called the nurse.The nurse did an assessment. She noted a low oxygen
        saturation and decreased breath sounds. She reported her findings to the doctor.
Ali was transferred to the ICU for a higher of care.
Enjoy watching the video:Medical terminology , Part 2


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT AN AORTIC ABDOMINAL ANEURYSM

Image
  Scenario: Mr. S is an elderly male who has a longstanding history of hypertension. He suddenly develops throbbing  in the abdomen. He notified his doctor and was admitted to the hospital for tests. A CAT scan would reveal an  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Surgical intervention for AAA was done emergently. Following surgery, Mr.S was transferred to the ICU  for a higher level of care. During his stay, his vital  signs, neurological, cardiac and respiratory status   would all be monitored. Please click on the links for more learning: Hemodynamic Monitoring Info for the layperson
Read more

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ

Image
Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack, may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints: If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninvasive, simple diagnostic test. It is  a reflection of  the electrical conduction system of the heart. It consists of 12 lead
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.     It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot  or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:                           chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                                                             tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.                                                                                                              Cardiogenic shock The left ventricle receives its blood supply from the LAD ( left anterior descending) artery. If the flow of blood to the left ventricle is obstructed by a clot or plaque, part  of the heart muscle may die. This lack of blood flow to the left ventricle causes pump failure. Cardiogenic shock may result from pump failure.     
Read more