Question

Which findings will the nurse observe due to compensatory mechanisms in a patient who is in the earliest stage of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)? Select all that apply.

A. Tachycardia
B. Hypoventilation
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Rapid and shallow respirations
E. Increase in arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO₂)

Answer 1

In early-stage acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), compensatory mechanisms result in tachycardia, respiratory alkalosis, and rapid and shallow respirations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The earliest stage of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) triggers compensatory mechanisms that attempt to maintain homeostasis in response to impaired gas exchange. In this compensatory phase, you would typically observe the following findings:

• Tachycardia: The heart rate speeds up to increase oxygen delivery to the tissues.
• Respiratory alkalosis: Increased respiration to offload CO2 leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing a higher pH (alkalosis).
• Rapid and shallow respirations: The patient's respiratory rate increases in an effort to increase gas exchange and expel more carbon dioxide.

Therefore, options A (Tachycardia), C (Respiratory alkalosis), and D (Rapid and shallow respirations) are the compensatory findings you would observe in a patient with early-stage ARDS.