Today’s NCLEX® LPN question of the day focuses on educating a patient about ARDS. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse is providing education about acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to a patient. Which statement best describes the condition?
A. “ARDS is a respiratory condition characterized by severe lung collapse.”
B. “ARDS is a type of lung cancer characterized by lung infiltrates.”
C. “ARDS is a respiratory condition characterized by lung inflammation.”
D. “ARDS is a respiratory condition characterized by overinflation of the lungs.”
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-PN® Question is…
C. “ARDS is a respiratory condition characterized by lung inflammation.”
Rationale: ARDS is a severe respiratory condition characterized by lung inflammation and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.
Main Takeaway
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, or ARDS, is a respiratory condition characterized by severe lung inflammation and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. This inflammation damages the alveolar-capillary membrane, allowing fluid to accumulate within the alveoli. As a result, lung compliance decreases, gas exchange becomes impaired, and severe hypoxemia and respiratory failure may develop.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
A. “ARDS is a respiratory condition characterized by severe lung collapse.”
Rationale: Although alveolar collapse may occur in ARDS, ARDS is not characterized by severe lung collapse. Collapsing of the lung is referred to as pneumothorax.
B. “ARDS is a type of lung cancer characterized by lung infiltrates.”
Rationale: ARDS is not a type of lung cancer. Although pulmonary infiltrates are commonly seen on chest imaging in ARDS, they result from inflammation and fluid accumulation rather than malignancy.
D. “ARDS is a respiratory condition characterized by overinflation of the lungs.”
Rationale: ARDS is not characterized by overinflation of the lungs. Overinflation of the lungs results from other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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