Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - 2026 APP Summit

This session provides a comprehensive overview of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), exploring its definition, causes, pathophysiology, and evidence‑based approaches to diagnosis and management. Through a focus on imaging, ventilator strategies, prone positioning, fluid management, and emerging therapies, learners will gain practical skills to optimize care for patients experiencing severe respiratory failure.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Differentiate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) using the Berlin Criteria to accurately identify qualifying diagnostic features.
  • Identify direct and indirect precipitating factors of ARDS to support timely clinical recognition.
  • Distinguish the phases and severity classifications of ARDS to guide appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic decision‑making.
  • Interpret characteristic imaging findings associated with ARDS to improve diagnostic accuracy.
  • Analyze arterial blood gases (ABGs) and ventilator parameters to optimize ventilator management strategies for ARDS patients.
  • Describe the physiologic mechanisms underlying prone positioning to justify its use in appropriate clinical scenarios.
  • Evaluate fluid status and volume management strategies to effectively support hemodynamic stability in ARDS.
  • Explain the therapeutic role of corticosteroids in ARDS and apply evidence‑supported steroid regimens when clinically indicated.
  • Implement current evidence‑based recommendations for ventilatory and medical management to enhance outcomes in patients with ARDS.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AAPA Category I CME
  • 1.00 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
03/01/2026
Course expires: 
03/01/2029
Part of: 
2026 APP Summit: Elevating Advanced Practice
Rating: 
0

Presenters:    

Elise Fullerton CRNP-BC – Nurse Practitioner, Senior, Pulmonology, UPMC
Lindsay Busch PA-C - Physician Assistant, Expert, Pulmonology, UPMC

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

No members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships with any companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.  

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

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In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physician Assistant (AAPA)
The University of Pittsburgh has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credit. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 1.0 contact hour.

Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AAPA Category I CME
  • 1.00 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 1.00 Attendance
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