COURSE DESCRIPTION

Focuses on assessment, treatment, and evaluation of patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Explores cardiopulmonary, renal, and neuromuscular physiology, and pathophysiology. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

This course is offered in the second semester of the program and is a continuation of RTH 121 – "Cardiopulmonary Science I". The purpose of this course is to complete the student's knowledge of diseases affecting the cardiopulmonary system. Evaluation of fluid and electrolyte balance is also explored.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

The student must have an understanding of cardiopulmonary, renal, and neuromuscular anatomy and physiology. Advanced skills in instrumentation and patient assessment are also required. The course prerequisite is RTH l2l - "Cardiopulmonary Science I" or permission of the program head.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. identify the following as they relate to each of the specific diseases studied:

1. etiology

2. physiologic changes

3. signs and symptoms

4. clinical course

5. treatment

6. patient prognosis

B. relate the blood and electrolyte profile to patient assessment

A. Diseases of the pleural space

B. Bronchogenic carcinoma

C. Disease of the chest wall

D. Sleep apnea

E. Pulmonary fibrosis

F. Pneumoconioses

G. Neuromuscular diseases

H. Near drowning/aspiration

I.  Bronchiectasis

J. Fugal infections of the lung

K. Tuberculosis

L. Medical complications of acutely ill patients:

1. adult respiratory distress syndrome
2. disseminated intravascular coagulation
3. shock


M. congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Myocardial Infarction (MI)