The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a patient recovering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). What should be included in this teaching?

Question

: Select all that apply.
1. Avoid smoking and exposure to air pollution.
2. Practice lifestyle modifications to reduce oxygen demands.
3. Restrict fluids to prevent congestive heart failure (CHF).
4. Get the influenza immunization annually.
5. Avoid large crowds.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 4
Pollution and cigarette smoke can further damage already traumatized lung tissue and should be avoided. Lifestyle modifications to conserve energy and reduce oxygen demands are necessary, as lung tissues are still recovering from the damage of the disease process. Exertional dyspnea will continue to increase if additional demands are made on the pulmonary and cardiovascular system. Immunizations for pneumonia and flu are encouraged to minimize additional insults to lung tissue, as the entire physical status of lung tissue will require up to 6 months to recover. Fluids are needed to rehydrate lung tissue and to enhance renal function by diluting wastes from tissue repair. CHF from right-sided failure is possible, but not usually in the recovery phase (after discharge from the hospital). These patients are not immunocompromised and can attend large-crowd events, such as church services, without risk.