Nursing Care of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome case study: comparing 2 cases Sathorn Muensakul

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a high-mortality respiratory crisis. The intensive care unit nurse is responsible for assessing the health condition, monitoring in signs and symptoms, and nursing continuously according to the standards care for safety, promote recovery and prevent complications. This study was a descriptive and comparative study of 2 case studies. Patient’s history was studied and analyzed comparing health conditions based on the Gordon's functional health pattern. This study analyzed in the critical period, in recovery period and distribution period. The results: Case study 1st: A 69-year-old Thai male patient came to the hospital with shortness of breath for 2 hours before coming to the hospital and have a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and interstitial lung disease. He was diagnosed with ARDS with Septic Shock, undergoing intubation and ventilation support. He admitted in the medical ward and transfer to the intensive care unit. He receive medical treatment until symptoms get better. The endotracheal was removed successfully. The patient, move to Medical Ward and discharged. Total hospital stayed was 23 days. Case study 2nd: A 47-year-old Thai male came to the hospital with transfer shortness of breath 2 hours before admission. First, he was treated at a community hospital and then to our hospital. He congenital disease. He was diagnosed with ARDS and Pneumonia. He was admitted in the Medical Ward and then moved to the intensive care unit. He was receive medical treatment until his symptoms get better. The endotracheal and ventilator was removed successfully. After that he was discharge to continue treatment at the Medical Ward. Total hospital stay was 15 days. Conclusion: This study shows the nursing process of caring patients in critical and rehabilitation period until discharge from hospital. Each individual nursing plan is complex and difficult. They must use knowledge and skills in evaluating, monitoring, surveillance and expertising in nursing each patient for goal of safety and preventing complications.