Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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Research Paper on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Brooke R. Brown University of Memphis Loewenberg School of Nursing Abstract Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a life-threatening condition that results from injury to the alveolar-capillary membrane. The condition is associated with extensive pulmonary inflammation and small blood vessel injury in all affected organs. ARDS is considered to be more the end result of a variety of severe injuries instead of an actual disease. ARDS was first officially discovered in 1967. There are 3 identified stages of ARDS. The acute or exudative phase is seen in days 1-7. The sub-acute or proliferative stage is seen from around day 7, and the chronic or fibrotic phase is seen around 2-3 weeks after the initial onset. There is not a specific treatment for ARDS however ARDS treatment is focused on promptly treating the underlying cause, supporting lung function and preventing complications related to the medical treatment and the disease process. Research Paper on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, also known as ARDS is described as a restrictive lung disease that reduces compliance. This is a life threatening condition that causes severe fluid buildup in both lungs. The fluid buildup prevents the lungs being able to transfer oxygen from air into the body and carbon dioxide out of the body into the air. It is seen frequently in critical care and is associated with many medical diagnoses such as sepsis and trauma. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is not considered to be a precise disease and is seen in an individual who demonstrates breathing failures due to an essential illness. Introduction Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was first mentioned during World War I and II by military physicians. It was officially termed in 1967 with the clinical manifestations of

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