Respiratory Distress Syndrome for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
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Included In This Lesson
Study Tools For Respiratory Distress Syndrome for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Interventions (Picmonic)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Assessment (Picmonic)
ARDS Pathochart (Cheatsheet)
ARDS Ventilation (Cheatsheet)
ARDS causes (Mnemonic)
Outline
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Definition/Etiology:
This is a form of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. It is an inflammatory syndrome characterized by diffuse alveolar injury. It results in severe hypoxemia.
The cause can be traumatic or secondary to a disease process such as sepsis. Be sure to understand your ED’s sepsis protocol
Pathophysiology:
The inflammatory response causes increased permeability in the alveoli which causes fluid leakage into the lungs. Pulmonary edema results.
Clinical Presentation:
- Acute respiratory distress
- Tachypnea
- Tachycardia
- Cyanosis
- Anxiety, restlessness, agitation
- Accessory muscle use
- Possible fever or hypothermia
Know the underlying mechanism
Collaborative Management:
- Labs: CBC, CMP….ABG!! Early blood cultures.
NEED A CHEST X-RAY – will show diffuse bilateral infiltrates, followed by complete “white out”. *X-ray may be negative early. - Need constant monitoring, IV access, and proper positioning….ER basics
- Possible RSI and ICU admission. Pt needs PEEP and sedation.
- Identify and treat underlying cause
Evaluation | Patient Monitoring | Education:
- ABCs
- Vent management
- Be wary of fluids
- I&O – renal failure common
- Goal is to wean off vent
- Monitor repeat chest x-ray and ABGs
Linchpins: (Key Points)
- Early identification
- Treat underlying cause
- Provide ventilatory support
Transcript
For more great CEN prep, got to the link below to purchase the “Emergency Nursing Examination Review” book by Dr. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PHD
https://greatnurses.com/
References:
- Emergency Nurses Association. (2022). Emergency Nursing Orientation 3.0. Cambridge, MA: Elsevier, Inc.
- Sheehy, S. B., Hammond, B. B., & Zimmerman, P. G. (2013). Sheehy’s manual of emergency care (Vol. 7th Edition). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier/Mosby.
Adaptive Brain SIMCLEX Study Plan – 16 Sep 2025
Concepts Covered:
- Psychological Emergencies
- Trauma-Stress Disorders
- Postoperative Nursing
- Central Nervous System Disorders – Brain
- Cognitive Disorders
- Urinary System
- Intraoperative Nursing
- Developmental Considerations
- Respiratory Emergencies
- Emergency Care of the Respiratory Patient
- Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Study Plan Lessons
Grief and Loss
Wound Classification for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Wound Dressing Maintenance for Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Altered Mental Status- Delirium and Dementia for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Electrolyte Imbalances for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Healthcare-Acquired Infections: Surgical Site Infections (SSI) for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Palliative Care for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
End of Life for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) for Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Calcium and Magnesium Imbalance for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
End-of-Life and Palliative Care (Organ and Tissue Donation, Advance Directives, Care Withholding, Family Presence) for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Sodium and Potassium Imbalance for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Fluid Volume Deficit
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Dementia