Advanced Adult Nursing (NUR 441) – 30 Exam Questions on ARDS, PE, ABGs, Ventilation, Trach Care | 2026

This document includes 30 verified exam questions and answers for NUR 441: Advanced Adult Nursing, focusing on pulmonary and critical care concepts essential for advanced medical-surgical nursing. It is designed for students in BSN, ADN, and LPN-to-RN bridge programs preparing for ATI exams, institutional midterms, or NCLEX-RN critical care sections. Based on the ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing Review Module, this resource emphasizes clinical reasoning in respiratory failure, trauma, and advanced ventilatory support. Covered topics include: Thromboembolic Disorders: Virchow’s Triad (hypercoagulability, venous stasis, vessel damage), signs of pulmonary embolism (e.g., sharp chest pain, tachypnea, anxiety), diagnosis (CT, V/Q scan, pulmonary angiography), and anticoagulant therapy with lab values (PT/INR, PTT). ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome): Phases of ARDS (exudative phase), use of positive pressure ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse, and oxygenation goals. Acid-Base Balance: Buffer systems including carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and their role in maintaining blood pH homeostasis. Complications of PE: Pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure as long-term consequences of untreated embolism. Ventilatory Support: Weaning criteria from mechanical ventilation (e.g., PaO₂ 80, FiO₂ 50%) and complications of respiratory failure. Trach Care & Emergency Supplies: Essential equipment at bedside for tracheostomy patients (e.g., suction, BVM, spare trach tubes). Chest Trauma: Signs of flail chest (paradoxical movement, severe pain, hyperventilation) and interventions for maintaining respiratory stability. This content is ideal for advanced nursing students practicing in telemetry, ICU, emergency, or step-down units, and serves as a compact high-yield resource for exams and clinical readiness. Keywords: NUR 441, ARDS nursing, pulmonary embolism signs, anticoagulant labs, mechanical ventilation weaning, tracheostomy care, Virchow's triad, carbonic acid buffer, ABG interpretation, flail chest symptoms, pulmonary hypertension, oxygenation strategies, ATI med-surg respiratory, NCLEX critical care