Revised 8/26

RTH 223 - Cardiopulmonary Science III (2 CR.)

Course Description

Continues the exploration of topics discussed in RTH 121 and 222. Lecture 2 hours per week

General Course Purpose

The course is offered in the fourth semester of the program. The course focuses on ECG diagnostic testing and rhythm interpretation with the purpose, indications, procedure, and evaluation of testing results discussed as well as the electrophysiology of the heart. ACLS protocols will be explored. 

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: RTH 135 and RTH 296.

Course Objectives

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

• Explain the electrophysiology of the heart and the normal conduction pathway
• Describe the structural and functional characteristics of the myocardium relevant to cardiac monitoring and patient care
• Perform a 12-lead ECG accurately, including appropriate patient introduction, explanation, and preparation
• Set up standard ECG monitoring leads and troubleshoot common technical issues
• Interpret ECGs and cardiac rhythm strips to identify normal and abnormal findings in clinical scenarios
• Recommend evidence-based interventions for abnormal ECG patterns in alignment with current ACLS guidelines
• Identify indications for Holter monitoring and explain its clinical utility
• Outline ACLS protocols and algorithms for resuscitation and other patient-care interventions, applying them to clinical scenarios
• Summarize a number of ACLS case study protocols and their application to patient care scenarios

Major Topics to Be Included

• Cardiac Electrophysiology and Conduction
• Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
• 12-Lead ECG Acquisition and Monitoring
• ECG Interpretation and Rhythm Analysis
• Holter Monitoring
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• ACLS Case Study Protocols