10 ARDS NCLEX® Questions

A nurse is caring for a client with ARDS. Which of the following clinical indicators would signify that this client is in respiratory failure? Select all that apply.

• A PaO2 level below 60 mmHg
• An ABG pH level of 7.35
• Pulse oximetry of 94% on room air
• A pCO2 level over 50 mmHg
• A respiratory rate greater than 16 breaths per minute

A nurse is caring for a client who is in respiratory distress because of ARDS. Which of the following conditions would most likely be present in this client?

• Disturbed personal identity
• Anuria
• Lack of tissue perfusion
• Problems with thermoregulation

A nurse must position the client prone after a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following is a benefit of using this position? Select all that apply.

• Decreased pleural pressure
• Mobilization of secretions
• Reduced need for endotracheal intubation
• Decreased atelectasis
• Increased response to corticosteroid therapy

A 25-year-old client in the ICU is being treated for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The client is on a ventilator and requires 80 percent FiO2. Which information would the nurse most likely need to report about the client to the respiratory therapist assigned to this case?

• The client needs a hemoglobin level drawn
• The client needs endotracheal suctioning
• The client needs an arterial blood gas drawn
• The client needs more oxygen because of O2 saturations

A nurse in the ICU is caring for a client that has been ventilated for 2 weeks due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The client’s FiO2 has been at 60% for the last 48 hours. What is the nurse’s immediate priority concern at this time?

• Ventilator associated pneumonia
• Risk for sepsis
• Oxygen toxicity
• Fluid retention

A nurse is using a non-rebreather mask to administer oxygen to an adult client who is in respiratory distress. Which nursing intervention should the nurse employ when using this type of oxygen delivery device?

• Assess the client's skin and hair every 4 hours
• Slowly increase the amount of oxygen administered over the first hour
• Avoid administering solid food and only give liquids with this type of mask
• Ensure that the mask fits well over the mouth and nose

A nurse is caring for a client who was brought into the ED complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing. Which of the following vital sign measurements most likely indicate that the client is struggling with dyspnea?

• Respiratory rate greater than 25/min
• Oxygen saturation of 95%
• Concave abdomen
• Dry, hot skin

A client is suffering from fluid overload due to a history of severe liver disease. Which of the following interventions would be the highest priority for this client?

• Check skin regularly for signs of skin breakdown
• Monitor for heart arrhythmias and the presence of crackles on auscultation
• Elevate the lower extremities to reduce edema
• Weigh the client daily

A nurse is assessing a client for fluid volume overload. The nurse knows that which of the following orders should be implemented to determine if the client is in fluid overload?

• Count client respirations
• Take the client to radiology for chest x-ray 
• Draw blood cultures
• Place the client on 5L O2 nasal cannula

The nurse just received reports on the following four clients. Which client should the nurse see first? 1) A client who was admitted for sepsis with vasopressors infusing 2) A client who was admitted for respiratory distress with normal saline infusing and a respiratory rate of 20 3) A client who was admitted for a non-ST elevated MI (NSTEMI) with heparin infusing 4) A client who was admitted for a urinary tract infection with antibiotics infusing

• A client who was admitted for sepsis with vasopressors infusing
• A client who was admitted for respiratory distress with normal saline infusing and a respiratory rate of 20
• A client who was admitted for a urinary tract infection with antibiotics infusing
• A client who was admitted for a non-ST elevated MI (NSTEMI) with heparin infusing