A client receiving treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is demonstrating anxiety and fear of having to stay on the ventilator indefinitely. Which interventions by the nurse are appropriate?

Question

Select all that apply.
A) Explain about care areas specifically designed for long-term ventilatory support.
B) Dim the lights and reduce distracting noise, such as the television.
C) Instruct that intubation and ventilation are temporary measures.
D) Encourage family visits and participation in care.
E) Remain with the client as much as possible.

Answer 1

Answer: C, D, E

A critical illness creates anxiety for any client. For the client with ARDS, anxiety is compounded by intubation and mechanical ventilation. To reduce this client's anxiety, the nurse should encourage the family to visit and participate in care. The nurse should also remain with the client as much as possible and instruct that intubation and ventilation are temporary measures to allow the lungs to rest and heal. Explaining that there are care areas designed for long-term ventilatory support could increase the client's anxiety. The nurse should provide distractions such as television or radio and not dim the lights or turn off the television, which could also increase the client's anxiety.