An ICU client who was in a motor vehicle accident 1 day ago is developing a worsening respiratory status
The nurse is aware that the client's chest has bruising on it from hitting the steering wheel, and the health care provider has diagnosed the client with lung contusions. As the client develops increased respiratory distress, the nurse recognizes that the only difference between acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is: 1. ARDS and ALI differ only in the amount of hypoxemia.
2. ARDS clients will have a lower respiratory rate than ALI clients.
3. ALI clients have fewer injuries than ARDS clients.
4. ALI clients have more inflammation than ARDS clients.
ARDS and ALI differ only in the amount of hypoxemia.
Rationale: The difference between ALI and ARDS is based upon the amount of hypoxemia. ALI is less severe of a disease process. The other answer choices are not representative of the difference between ARDS and ALI.
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