A patient in the ED has suspected aspiration of gastric contents. What is correct about aspiration and lung injury?
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Correct answer: Gastric aspiration can cause chemical pneumonitis that may progress to ARDS
Aspiration of acidic or oropharyngeal contents may cause chemical pneumonitis and can lead to ARDS in some cases.
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More Acute Respiratory Distress (ARDS) questions
- Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate immediately after suspected aspiration in a semi-conscious patient?
- Which lab/monitoring result would most clearly indicate worsening ARDS?
- A nurse recognises the importance of fluid management in ARDS. Which strategy is supported by current evidence?
- When caring for a mechanically ventilated ARDS patient, how can the risk of ventilator-associated lung injury (VILI) be reduced?
- Which of the following is a key nursing diagnosis relevant to aspiration risk?
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