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NURS 480
NURS 480/ NURS480 – Advanced Medical Surgical
Health Nursing | WCU | 2026–2027 | EXAM 1
Content with Verified Questions and Answers
1. ARDS/ARF Lab Values: ABGs: LOW PaO2 HIGH CO2
PaO2 <60
PaCO2 >45 with pH less than 7.35
*Look for the lowest O2 and highest CO2*
2. ARF: 2 Types: HypOxemic failure from LOW O2 (PaO2 < 60)
HyperCapnic failure from HIGH CO2 (PaCO2 over 50)
3. ARDS/ARF S/S:: ARF: Hypoxemia
-AMS: agitation, restless, confused
-tachy, tachy, sweating
-rapid, shallow breathing pattern
NURS
,ARDS: Refractory Hypoxemia
-Low PaO2 despite giving O2
*body is REsistant to O2 in REfractrory hypoxemia*
-morning headache
4. Early ARDS: ABG and CXR: ABG: resp. Alkalosis - then acidosis
CXR: whiteout (more fluid = more white)
5. Respiratory Distress: Interventions: HOLY:
H: High Fowler's
O: Oral Suc./O2
L: Lung Sounds
Y: Yell for help / Notify HCP
6. Short-Acting Brochodialators (SABA): Ex: albuterol
can reverse bronchospasms (watch HR)
7. Diuretics, Nitroglycerin, and/or Opioids: Diuretics: lasix
Nitro: vasodialate
Opioids: decrease workload
, decrease pulmonary congestion caused by heart failure
8. Sedation and analgesia: lowest possible dose for the non-intubated
patients
decrease anxiety, restlessness and pain
9. Corticosteroids: Example, Actions, Nursing Actions: Ex: cortisone acetate,
methylprednisolone, dexamethasone
A: reduces inflammation
NA: d/c gradually, monitor glucose, Cushings
10. Benzodiazepines: Example, Actions, Nursing Actions: Ex: Lorazepam,
Midazolam, Ativan,
Valium
A: Reduces anxiety and decreses oxygen consumption
NA: monitor respirations, BP, O2. Use caution with opioids
NURS 480
NURS 480/ NURS480 – Advanced Medical Surgical
Health Nursing | WCU | 2026–2027 | EXAM 1
Content with Verified Questions and Answers
1. ARDS/ARF Lab Values: ABGs: LOW PaO2 HIGH CO2
PaO2 <60
PaCO2 >45 with pH less than 7.35
*Look for the lowest O2 and highest CO2*
2. ARF: 2 Types: HypOxemic failure from LOW O2 (PaO2 < 60)
HyperCapnic failure from HIGH CO2 (PaCO2 over 50)
3. ARDS/ARF S/S:: ARF: Hypoxemia
-AMS: agitation, restless, confused
-tachy, tachy, sweating
-rapid, shallow breathing pattern
NURS
,ARDS: Refractory Hypoxemia
-Low PaO2 despite giving O2
*body is REsistant to O2 in REfractrory hypoxemia*
-morning headache
4. Early ARDS: ABG and CXR: ABG: resp. Alkalosis - then acidosis
CXR: whiteout (more fluid = more white)
5. Respiratory Distress: Interventions: HOLY:
H: High Fowler's
O: Oral Suc./O2
L: Lung Sounds
Y: Yell for help / Notify HCP
6. Short-Acting Brochodialators (SABA): Ex: albuterol
can reverse bronchospasms (watch HR)
7. Diuretics, Nitroglycerin, and/or Opioids: Diuretics: lasix
Nitro: vasodialate
Opioids: decrease workload
, decrease pulmonary congestion caused by heart failure
8. Sedation and analgesia: lowest possible dose for the non-intubated
patients
decrease anxiety, restlessness and pain
9. Corticosteroids: Example, Actions, Nursing Actions: Ex: cortisone acetate,
methylprednisolone, dexamethasone
A: reduces inflammation
NA: d/c gradually, monitor glucose, Cushings
10. Benzodiazepines: Example, Actions, Nursing Actions: Ex: Lorazepam,
Midazolam, Ativan,
Valium
A: Reduces anxiety and decreses oxygen consumption
NA: monitor respirations, BP, O2. Use caution with opioids
