skip to main content

ARDS — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyRespiratoryARDSRACP Adult Medicine

A 58-year-old man is admitted to ICU with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure following aspiration pneumonia. His PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio is 85 mmHg on FiO₂ 0.8. Bilateral infiltrates are seen on chest X-ray and echocardiography shows normal left atrial pressure. According to the Berlin definition, what severity of ARDS does this represent?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Severe

The Berlin definition classifies ARDS severity by PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio on PEEP ≥5 cmH₂O: mild 200–300, moderate 100–200, and severe <100 mmHg. This patient's ratio of 85 mmHg represents severe ARDS. Management includes lung-protective ventilation with tidal volumes 6 mL/kg ideal body weight, plateau pressure <30 cmH₂O, and consideration of prone positioning for P/F <150.

Reference: ARDS Definition Task Force – 2012 – Berlin Definition; ARDSNet – 2000 – ARMA Trial