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Moderate-severe ARDS — RCPSC IM MCQ

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HardCritical CareModerate-severe ARDSRCPSC IM

A 55-year-old man with pancreatitis is intubated for hypoxemic respiratory failure. PaO2/FiO2 is 92 on PEEP 12 cm H2O, plateau pressure is 28 cm H2O and bilateral infiltrates are present without left atrial hypertension. He is deeply sedated and hemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: C — Low tidal-volume ventilation and prone positioning for prolonged sessions

Moderate-severe ARDS is treated with lung-protective low tidal-volume ventilation and prone positioning when PaO2/FiO2 remains severely reduced despite adequate PEEP.

Reference: Surviving Sepsis Campaign/ARDS critical care guidance