Question

The nurse provides care for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is receiving mechanical ventilation. After reviewing the patient's medical record, the nurse determines that which assessment is the most important?

A. Anxiety level
B. Cardiac output
C. Peripheral pulses
D. Presence of abdominal rigidity

Answer 1

The most important assessment for a patient with ARDS receiving mechanical ventilation is cardiac output, as the heart has to work harder to compensate for poor oxygenation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important assessment for a patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) receiving mechanical ventilation is cardiac output.

In ARDS, the lungs are unable to properly oxygenate the blood, resulting in poor oxygen delivery to the body. The heart has to work harder to compensate for this lack of oxygen, leading to the increased importance of monitoring cardiac output.

Monitoring cardiac output helps determine if the heart is able to provide sufficient blood flow to meet the body's oxygen demands.