In a patient with ARDS, the nurse should expect which typical symptom?

In a patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), severe dyspnea is a hallmark symptom. ARDS is characterized by significant inflammation and injury to the lung tissue, leading to impaired gas exchange and resulting in low oxygen levels in the blood. This condition manifests clinically with marked difficulty in breathing, as the patient's lungs become stiff and less compliant.

Patients may experience rapid onset of breathlessness due to the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli, which disrupts normal respiratory function. The degree of dyspnea can be profound, requiring urgent medical intervention and support, often including mechanical ventilation.

In contrast, symptoms like chest pain, dry cough, or wheezing may not be prominent or typical indicators of ARDS. While some patients might exhibit cough or wheezing due to associated conditions or other factors, severe dyspnea remains the most significant and recognizable symptom during the clinical evaluation of ARDS.