What intervention should a nurse anticipate for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

In the case of a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mechanical ventilation is the most appropriate intervention to anticipate. ARDS is characterized by severe lung inflammation, impaired gas exchange, and often results in significant hypoxemia.

Mechanical ventilation is used to support the client's breathing and ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. In ARDS, patients often require protective lung ventilation strategies to minimize further lung injury, such as low tidal volumes and higher levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). This intervention allows for more controlled delivery of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide while reducing the risk of additional lung damage.

While tracheostomy can sometimes be considered for long-term airway management in patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation, it is not a first-line intervention for all ARDS cases and is generally reserved for specific scenarios. The use of a nasal cannula is inadequate for the significant respiratory support needed in ARDS since it does not provide sufficient oxygen delivery or ventilation assistance. Insertion of a chest tube is typically indicated for conditions such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion but is not a primary intervention for ARDS as it does not directly address the underlying issues of lung function and gas exchange compromise.