Final answer:
Acute Respiratory Failure is characterized by rapid onset of respiratory distress and hypoxemia, decreased lung compliance, and increased work of breathing, all of which contribute to the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The clinical course for Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) includes a rapid onset of respiratory distress and hypoxemia, decreased lung compliance, and an increased work of breathing. These aspects contribute to the severity of ARF. Rapid onset of distress and hypoxemia are immediate consequences of the failure in the respiratory system's ability to maintain blood oxygen levels. Decreased lung compliance, seen in conditions like Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and pulmonary fibrosis, refers to the stiffness of the lungs, making it more difficult for them to inflate and deflate, thereby increasing the effort required to breathe. The increased work of breathing signifies the greater effort the body has to make to maintain adequate gas exchange due to the impaired lung function.