Question

"Which actions will the nurse anticipate taking when the cardiac output decreases in a patient who is being treated for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with mechanical ventilation and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP)? Select all that apply.

1.Administer diuretics.
2.Infuse inotropic drugs.
3.Lower the PEEP setting.
4.Administer crystalloid or colloid fluids.
5.;Increase the administered oxygen concentration (FIO2)"

Answer 1

When the cardiac output decreases in a patient with ARDS on mechanical ventilation and PEEP, the nurse can anticipate administering fluids, lowering the PEEP setting, and infusing inotropic drugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the cardiac output decreases in a patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) who is being treated with mechanical ventilation and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), the nurse may anticipate taking the following actions:

1. Administer crystalloid or colloid fluids to help increase fluid volume and cardiac output.
2. Lower the PEEP setting to reduce the pressure in the lungs and improve cardiac function.
3. Infuse inotropic drugs to enhance cardiac contractility and increase cardiac output.

Administering diuretics may not be appropriate as they can decrease fluid volume and exacerbate the decrease in cardiac output. Increasing the administered oxygen concentration (FIO2) may not directly address the decrease in cardiac output and may be better suited to address oxygenation concerns.