Final answer:
The nurse monitors for complications including barotrauma, stress ulcers, acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and congestive heart failure in patients with ARDS receiving mechanical ventilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is receiving mechanical ventilation, a nurse should monitor for various potential complications. These complications include:
- A. Barotrauma: Injury to the lungs caused by excessive air pressure.
- B. Stress ulcers: Ulcers that can occur due to the stress of illness and mechanical ventilation.
- C. Acute kidney injury: A complication that can result from hypoxemia and decreased cardiac output associated with ARDS.
- D. Venous thromboembolism (VTE): Blood clots that can form due to immobilization and central venous catheters.
- E. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): Infections that can arise from contaminated ventilators or prolonged intubation.
- F. Congestive heart failure (CHF): Worsening of pre-existing heart conditions due to fluid management and the stress of illness.