A nurse is caring for a client who has developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of this syndrome?

Rationale: A. An audible pleural friction rub: A pleural friction rub is typically heard in conditions involving pleural inflammation, such as pleurisy or pericarditis. It is not a defining feature of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which primarily involves alveolar damage and pulmonary edema. B. Tracheal deviation from the midline: Tracheal deviation is usually associated with a tension pneumothorax or large pleural effusion. ARDS does not typically cause tracheal shift, as it affects the lungs diffusely rather than exerting pressure on one side. C. Refractory hypoxemia: This is a hallmark of ARDS. It refers to hypoxemia that does not improve significantly with supplemental oxygen due to impaired gas exchange from widespread alveolar-capillary membrane damage, leading to severe ventilation-perfusion mismatch. D. Bloody expectorant when coughing: Hemoptysis (bloody sputum) can occur in various respiratory conditions but is not a characteristic manifestation of ARDS. In ARDS, secretions are more likely to be frothy and pink-tinged if pulmonary edema is present.