Final answer:
The most useful strategy to decrease mortality in ARDS patients is to provide effective respiratory support through mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation techniques such as CPAP. Other strategies include administering appropriate medications, maintaining adequate nutrition, managing fluid balance, and preventing or treating infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most useful strategy to decrease mortality in ARDS patients is to provide effective respiratory support. This can be achieved through a combination of mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation techniques such as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Mechanical ventilation involves the use of a ventilator to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the lungs. It can help improve oxygenation and reduce the work of breathing in ARDS patients. Non-invasive ventilation, like CPAP, helps keep the airways open and can prevent the need for intubation.
In addition to respiratory support, other strategies to decrease mortality in ARDS patients include administering appropriate medications, such as corticosteroids and pulmonary surfactant, maintaining adequate nutrition, managing fluid balance, and preventing or treating infections.