Respiratory Distress Syndrome for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
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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 – 29 Oct 2025
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- Microbiology
- Factors Influencing Community Health
- Perioperative Nursing Roles
- Central Nervous System Disorders – Brain
- Cognitive Disorders
- Respiratory Emergencies
- Urinary System
- Emergency Care of the Respiratory Patient
- Respiratory
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