RT210 : Introduction to & Applied Respiratory Therapeutics

Students learn applicable medical terminology and the metric conversions used in respiratory therapy. They learn applied anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of the pulmonary system and the relationship between respiration and cardiac function. Students learn to recognize normal and abnormal arterial blood gas results. They learn the principles of gas physics and their application to oxygen, aerosol, and humidity therapies. Students begin the process of professional development and learn self-esteem and motivational skills necessary to become employed. Students learn the conditions that indicate the need for oxygen therapy. They explore the potential hazards associated with oxygen therapy, study the different oxygen delivery devices, and learn how to assemble and test equipment. They practice setting up oxygen, aerosol, and humidity therapies. They are introduced to the various pharmacological agents used in respiratory therapy and their biochemical properties. Students learn the indications for and the potential hazards of IPPB and incentive spirometry therapies. Students have the opportunity to practice procedures for the administration of these therapies to patients in a laboratory setting. Students learn to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and chest auscultation and to administer metered dose inhalation therapy. Professional development will continue, including ethics.