Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not an appropriate treatment for ARDS?

1. Diuretics

2. Oxygen

3. Ventilation therapy

4. Bronchodilators

The correct answer is: Bronchodilators

In the context of treating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), bronchodilators are generally not considered an appropriate treatment option. ARDS is characterized by inflammation of the lungs, leading to increased permeability and pulmonary edema, which results in impaired gas exchange. While bronchial dilation may be beneficial in conditions like asthma or COPD where airway obstruction is present, ARDS primarily involves issues at the level of the alveoli and lung parenchyma rather than bronchoconstriction. Oxygen therapy is crucial in ARDS management as it aims to alleviate hypoxemia by increasing the concentration of oxygen delivered to the lungs. Ventilation therapy, particularly with strategies such as low tidal volume ventilation, is essential for reducing ventilator-induced lung injury and improving oxygenation. Diuretics may be used in the management of fluid overload, although their role can vary depending on the underlying cause of ARDS and patient profile. Thus, while diuretics and oxygen therapy contribute to the overall management of ARDS, and ventilation therapy is critical to support respiratory function, bronchodilators do not address the primary issues in ARDS and are therefore not appropriate in this scenario.