This article describes a nursing experience of caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to myasthenia gravis. Gordon's 11 Functional Health Patterns Assessment was used for clinical data collection. Based on data analysis, four major problems were identified: impaired gas exchange, impaired physical mobility, anxiety and the caregiver's role tension. Integral nursing care was achieved through an individualized ventilator weaning-off training plan, implementation of a wide range of motion exercises, a trustworthy nurse-patient relationship, and the provision of relevant healthcare information with the sharing of successful experiences. This article can serve as a reference for other clinical nursing staff.