In a patient with ARDS, which indicator would show that prone positioning is effective?

When assessing the effectiveness of prone positioning in a patient with ARDS, one key indicator is the improvement in oxygenation. In this context, the patient's arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) are critical measures of respiratory function.

Prone positioning has been shown to improve ventilation-perfusion matching, promote better lung recruitment, and enhance oxygenation in patients with ARDS. If the patient's PaO2 is noted to be at 89 mm Hg, along with an SaO2 of 91%, this indicates that there is a degree of oxygenation improvement, which aligns with the expected outcomes of proning. Adequate oxygenation is vital for patients experiencing ARDS, and positive changes in these values can suggest that the prone position is helping to optimize respiratory function.

The other indicators, such as negative sputum and blood cultures, clear mucous return, or intact skin without redness, while important for overall patient management, do not directly reflect the success of prone positioning in improving oxygenation levels. Negative cultures can indicate a lack of infection, clear mucus may suggest effective airway clearance, and skin integrity is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers, but these factors alone do not assess the direct effects of mechanical ventilation strategies