What it means
A life-threatening condition in which inflammation damages the walls of the air sacs and nearby capillaries. Fluid fills the air sacs, the lungs become stiff and gas exchangeGAS eks-CHAYNJThe movement of oxygen from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood and of carbon dioxide from the blood into the air sacs.Full entry fails. It is triggered by another serious illness or injury, such as sepsisSEP-sisA severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.Full entry , pneumonia, aspiration of stomach contents, major trauma, burns or many blood transfusions. The low oxygen level often does not improve much even with high levels of oxygen.
For the nurse
Most clients need mechanical ventilationmeh-KAN-ih-kul ven-tuh-LAY-shunBreathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.Full entry in intensive care. Watch oxygen levels and breathing closely; prone positioning (lying on the stomach) can improve oxygen levels. Report rising breathing rate, falling saturation or new confusion early in clients at risk.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ARDS |
|---|---|
| Spanish | síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda |
| Also written | ARDS |
Related terms
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
mechanical ventilation
Breathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.
hypoxemia
A level of oxygen in the blood below normal.
gas exchange
The movement of oxygen from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood and of carbon dioxide from the blood into the air sacs.