Nursing Management of Respiratory Failure and ARDS

This evidence-based CE course is developed for nursing professionals providing care to critically ill patients with respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It presents an in-depth clinical review of the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies essential for optimizing outcomes in patients with complex respiratory compromise.

Participants will explore the various types of respiratory failure, hypoxemic, hypercapnic, and mixed and the clinical indicators that differentiate them. The course emphasizes early recognition of ARDS, including Berlin criteria, risk factors, and progression patterns. It also reviews diagnostic imaging, arterial blood gas interpretation, and lung-protective ventilation strategies, as well as pharmacologic and supportive interventions.

Attention is given to the nurse’s role in monitoring mechanical ventilation, managing sedation, preventing ventilator-associated complications, and supporting multidisciplinary care planning. Special focus is placed on nursing priorities such as fluid management, prone positioning, hemodynamic monitoring, and family-centered communication.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define the pathophysiology of acute and chronic respiratory failure and ARDS.
• Identify clinical signs, diagnostic parameters, and imaging findings associated with respiratory failure and ARDS.
• Distinguish between the types of respiratory failure and apply appropriate nursing interventions.
• Describe principles of lung-protective ventilation and evidence-based ventilator management practices.
• Implement best practices for sedation, nutrition, positioning, and infection prevention in critically ill respiratory patients.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary care and communicate effectively with families regarding prognosis and care goals.

Course Completion Requirements:

To complete this CE course and receive full credit, participants must:

• Register for the course.
• Review all course materials.
• Complete the post-test with a passing score of 70% or higher.
• Submit a completed course evaluation.

Note: Some courses may include additional assignments or clinical case reviews

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: The course planners, authors, and presenters have no financial or commercial conflicts of interest related to this educational activity.
• Commercial Support: This course has not received sponsorship or financial support from commercial entities.
• Non-Endorsement: Approval of this course as a continuing education activity does not imply endorsement of any products, services, or companies mentioned within the content.
• Off-Label Product Use: Any discussion of off-label medication use is clearly identified and supported by available evidence.