RTH 123 - Basic Assessment and Monitoring

1. Integrate the techniques of patient interviewing, collection of the respiratory history, and respiratory physical examination to assess the patient for the presence of pulmonary pathology and once delivered, the effectiveness of respiratory therapy.
2. Assess various types of clinical lab studies, skin testing, and sputum collection for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment in the cardiopulmonary patient.
3. Perform respiratory care procedures that utilize various methods for analyzing oxygenation and ventilation of the patient, and interpret the significance of these results as they relate to patient care.
4. Explain the methods used in pulmonary function testing, perform bedside spirometry, and interpret the significance of the results obtained as they relate to the clinical pathology of the patient.
5. Discuss the physics related to chest radiographs, the use of standard and special views in the assessment of the patient with pulmonary disease, and correlated common pathologic abnormalities seen on chest x-ray films with their related clinical findings.
6. Identify basic and life-threatening electrocardiogram patterns that may occur during care of patients with cardiopulmonary disease.

1. Bedside Respiratory Assessment
   1. How to communicate with the patient
   2. Interviewing skills
   3. Respiratory history of the patient
   4. Vital signs
   5. Techniques of physical examination
   6. Physical signs of respiratory disease
2. Clinical Laboratory Studies and Assessment
   1. Hematology
   2. Chemistry
   3. Microbiology
   4. Pleural fluid examination
   5. Urinalysis
   6. Histology/cytology
   7. Skin testing
3. Assessment of Oxygenation and Ventilation
   1. Non-invasive monitoring of oxygenation and oxygen delivery – pulse oximetry
   2. Non-invasive monitoring of ventilation - capnography
   3. Arterial blood gas sampling, analysis, and interpretation
4. Basic Assessment of Pulmonary Function Measurements
   1. Indications for pulmonary function testing
   2. Normal values for various tests
   3. Basic equipment utilized during testing
   4. Clinical interpretation of test results
5. Basic Assessment and Clinical Application of Chest Radiography
   1. Indications for chest radiography
   2. Procedures for standard and special views
   3. Basic evaluation of the chest radiograph
   4. Basic interpretation of the chest radiograph
6. Basic Interpretation of Electrocardiogram Tracings
   1. Review of cardiac anatomy and physiology
   2. Indications for electrocardiogram tracings
   3. Electrocardiogram waves
   4. Electrocardiogram leads
   5. Identification of common normal and abnormal heart rhythms
   6. Clinical significance and treatment of common normal and abnormal heart rhythms