Final answer:
A client with sepsis showing symptoms of labored breathing, confusion, and lethargy should be assessed for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a condition characterized by fluid in the lungs that impairs oxygen distribution to the bloodstream and organ function.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client with sepsis who begins having labored breathing, confusion, and lethargy should be assessed for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). These symptoms, particularly in the context of a septic condition, suggest that the client's respiratory system is becoming compromised. ARDS is a serious lung condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs in the lungs. The fluid prevents the lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches the bloodstream. This can deprive your organs of the oxygen they need to function.
The presence of hypoxemia, a notable crackling sound during respiration, and a chest radiograph indicating a shadow in the lung further support ARDS as a complication in a patient with sepsis. Moreover, the progressive nature of sepsis can lead to widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction, including respiratory failure, which is characteristic of ARDS. The clinical manifestations in sepsis can progress quickly to septic shock if left untreated, underlining the importance of rapid assessment and management.