Revised 08/26

RTH 131 - Respiratory Care Theory and Procedures I (4 CR.)

Course Description

Presents theory of equipment and procedures and related concepts used for patients requiring general, acute and critical cardiopulmonary care. Part I of II.  Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is offered in the second semester of the respiratory therapy program. This is the first part of a two-part respiratory care theory and procedures class.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: RTH 102, RTH 111, RTH 145, and RTH 151.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Relate patient data and perform clinical assessments for mechanical ventilation management
• Explain and troubleshoot adult non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), high flow nasal cannula, and artificial airways
• Illustrate the use of and state the indications for artificial airways    
• State indications and goals of mechanical ventilation
• Utilize bag and mask ventilation devices based on patients’ clinical scenarios 
• Evaluate the design and operation of commonly used adult mechanical ventilators
• Demonstrate set up of mechanical ventilators and modify to given medical parameters
• Interpret ventilator graphics to guide appropriate adjustments in patient care plan

Major Topics to Be Included

• Patient Assessment for Mechanical Ventilation
• Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
• High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) Therapy
• Artificial Airways
• Indications and Goals of Mechanical Ventilation
• Bag-Mask Ventilation
• Mechanical Ventilator Design and Operation
• Mechanical Ventilator Setup and Management
• Ventilator Management Strategies, Complications, and Weaning
• Ventilator Graphics Interpretation
• Disaster Management in Critical Care