Question

A nurse is assessing a client who has acute care respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

(a) Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
(b) Oxygen saturation of 95% on room air
(c) Systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg
(d) Heart rate of 120 beats per minute

Answer 1

Among the findings, a heart rate of 120 beats per minute in a client with ARDS should be reported to the provider as it indicates tachycardia and suggests that the patient's condition might be worsening.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse assessing a client with acute care respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) should report several findings to the provider. Among the provided options:

(a) A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is within the normal range for an adult.

(b) An oxygen saturation of 95% on room air is considered normal.

(c) A systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg is on the lower end of the normal range but not immediately concerning without other symptoms.

(d) A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is elevated and should be reported to the provider, as it may indicate that the client's condition is worsening.

It's important to consider all the vital signs in the context of the patient's overall condition, but the elevated heart rate is particularly suggestive of a potential problem that requires further medical evaluation.