The nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). What is the most likely laboratory finding in the early stages of this disease?
A) Increased carboxyhemoglobin
B) Decreased partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2)
C) Increased partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
D) Decreased bicarbonate (HCO3—)
Ans: B
Feedback: Decreased PaCO2 indicates hypoxemia, which is a universal finding in ARDS. The PaCO2 level is low early in the disease due to hyperventilation and then elevates later in the disease due to fatigue and worsening clinical status. The HCO3— level may be low in ARDS and is related to reduced tissue oxygenation. The carboxyhemoglobin level will be increased in a patient with an inhalation injury, which commonly progresses into ARDS. This isn't a common cause of ARDS.
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