Pulmonology

Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure +  bilateral lung opacities = ARDS

Results from disruption of surfactant, vascular endothelial injuries, and alveolar epithelial injury

Use low-tidal volume ventilation (TV: 4-8 mL/kg of predicted BW and PPlateu < 30 cmH2O) and PEEP

PEEP should be set to maintain SpO2 between 88-95%

High concentration of oxygen can be damaging

Prone positioning should be considered for all patients with severe ARDS in addition to PEEP and low tidal volume ventilation

Permissive hypercapnia is acceptable in ARDS

Evaluate for cardiomyopathy, mitral and aortic valve disease, myocardial ischemia, and arrhythmias

Focus on reduction of preload and afterload (diuretics, vasodilators, or inodialators)