Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College

Revised 8/26

RTH 225 - Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Procedures (3 CR.)

Course Description

Focuses on the cardiopulmonary, physiology, pathology and application of therapeutic procedures in the management of the newborn and pediatric patient. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 5 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is offered in the last semester of the program. This course is designed as an overview of fetal and neonatal physiology as well as an introduction to neonatal and pediatric pulmonary disease and management. This course will also familiarize the student with basic respiratory care techniques and equipment used with the compromised infant and prepares the student for clinical work with these patient groups.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: RTH 215, RTH 222, RTH 223, RTH 236, and RTH 290 (Adult ICU Rotation).

Course Objectives

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

  • Operate, setup and troubleshoot neonatal and pediatric oxygen delivery devices. 
  • Explain normal fetal and neonatal development of the cardiopulmonary system.
  • Perform various methods of fetal, neonatal and pediatric patient assessment, including neonatal resuscitation
  • Apply neonatal assessment techniques in lab and clinical settings
  • Perform and recommend diagnostic procedures based on patient assessment
  • Explain the pathophysiology and treatment of congenital heart diseases
  • Explain the pathophysiology and treatments of neonatal and pediatric diseases related to respiratory care
  • Explain the basic principles and techniques of ventilator management of the neonate and pediatric population
  • Perform operations of mechanical ventilation techniques for neonatal and pediatric population
  • Operate the transcutaneous gas monitor     
  • Develop skills related to neonatal and pediatric resuscitation techniques

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Fetal and Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Development
  • Neonatal and Pediatric Patient Assessment
  • Neonatal and Pediatric Oxygen Therapy
  • Neonatal and Pediatric Diagnostics
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Disorders
  • Neonatal and Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation
  • Transcutaneous Gas Monitoring
  • Neonatal and Pediatric Resuscitation