Comparison of the Nursing Care of Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a common condition causing respiratory distress in critically ill patients. Prompt and appropriate medical care is essential to reduce complications and mortality risks. This study presents a case comparison study of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and nursing planning guidelines based on two patients admitted in the internal medicine intensive care unit. The concept of Gordon's Health Model was used as a guideline for assessing the patients’ conditions. In both cases the signs and symptoms of acute respiratory distress were gasping for breath caused by hypoxia due to severe pneumonitis. Important nursing care included respiratory system care; patient-focused mechanical ventilator settings and prone positioning; circulatory system care; electrolyte imbalance care and monitoring; body fluid and nutritional status care and monitoring; , psychological care; and monitoring for complications. When further follow up on the nursing outcomes of the two cases was conducted, it was found that, in the early stages acute respiratory distress syndrome, symptoms are improved with ventilator adjustments. However, in these two case studies of older persons without known comorbidities, the patients’ conditions worsened later on in the disease’s trajectory. Nevertheless, the nursing care for the patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in this study should be considered as practical guidelines for future nursing care practices for patients in this group.