Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

When dealing with ARDS patients, what is one of the key challenges in management?

1. To maintain high blood pressure

2. To achieve normal oxygenation

3. To prevent cardiovascular complications

4. To ensure quick recovery

The correct answer is: To achieve normal oxygenation

Achieving normal oxygenation is indeed a key challenge in the management of patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is characterized by significant impairment in gas exchange due to fluid accumulation in the alveoli, leading to reduced oxygen availability in the blood. This condition necessitates effective management strategies to address the complex issues surrounding oxygen delivery and utilization. Maintaining adequate oxygenation is crucial because inadequate oxygen levels can lead to hypoxia, organ dysfunction, and increased mortality risk. Therefore, healthcare providers often focus on optimizing mechanical ventilation strategies, using approaches such as lung protective ventilation, prone positioning, and careful management of fluid balance to enhance oxygenation. In contrast, while maintaining high blood pressure, preventing cardiovascular complications, and ensuring quick recovery are important aspects of overall patient care, they are not as central to the immediate management challenges presented by ARDS as achieving normal oxygenation. In ARDS, fluctuations in blood pressure and cardiovascular stability are often secondary concerns, mainly arising from the respiratory failure and associated treatment interventions.