Respiratory Care Procedures I

I. Describe production and storage of medical gases and the devices used to control
their delivery in the clinical setting. (F1, 3, 8, C19)
A. Differentiate between gases and gas mixtures that are used clinically as well as
explaining their production methods
B. Explain the differences that exist between gaseous and liquid storage methods
C. Determine the contents of both compressed gas and liquid cylinders
D. Compute the duration of flow for compressed and liquid gas therapy
E. Describe proper storage, transport and use of compressed gas cylinders
F. Differentiate between gas supply systems
G. Explain the procedure to follow if a bulk oxygen delivery system fails
H. Identify and explain which safety systems apply to various equipment
connections
I. Select proper devices to regulate gas pressure and control flow and explain the
function of each
J. Assemble, check for proper function and identify malfunctions in gas delivery
equipment
K. Correct common malfunctions of gas delivery equipment
II. Determine desired goals of gas therapy, select the proper mode of administration,
monitor patient response, and recommend changes in the prescribe therapy (F1, 2,
3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, C7, 18, 19, 20)
A. Differentiate between hypoxia and hypoxemia
B. Identify when use of oxygen therapy is appropriate
C. Assess the need for oxygen therapy
D. Describe the complications associated with oxygen therapy
E. Select correct oxygen delivery system appropriate for the respiratory care plan
F. Check for proper function, identify and correct malfunctions of oxygen delivery
systems
G. Evaluate and monitor a patient’s response to oxygen therapy
H. Modify or recommend modification of oxygen therapy on the basis of patient
response
I. List indications, complications and hazards that apply to hyperbaric oxygen
therapy
J. Identify appropriate situations for the use of nitric oxide therapy
K. Identify appropriate situation and administration of helium-oxygen therapy.
III. Describe the principles of humidity and bland aerosol therapy (F1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12,
C7,18,19,20)
A. Describe the effect dry gases have on the respiratory tract
B. Identify when and how to humidify and warm inspired gases
C. Explain the general performance of different humidifiers and feed systems
D. Discuss methods to enhance humidifier performance
E. Describe indications, contraindications and hazards pertaining to humidification
during mechanical ventilation
F. Describe how to monitor patients receiving humidity therapy
G. Identify and resolve common problems with humidification systems
H. Understand when to apply bland aerosol therapy
I. Identify and explain how delivery systems for bland aerosol therapy function
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J. Identify and resolve common problems with aerosol delivery systems
K. Explain how to perform sputum induction
L. Select or recommend the appropriate therapy to condition a patient’s inspired
air
IV. Explain the principles of aerosol drug therapy (F1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, C7,18,19,20)
A. Describe what characterizes an aerosol
B. Describe how particle size, motion and airway characteristics affect aerosol
deposition
C. Explain how aerosols are generated
D. Identify hazards associated with aerosol drug therapy
E. Select the best aerosol drug delivery system for a given patient
F. Initiate and modify aerosol drug therapy
G. Describe the technique used to teach a patient to properly self-administer drug
aerosol therapy
H. Assess patients’ response to bronchodilator therapy at the point of care
I. Apply aerosol therapy in certain circumstances
J. Protect patient and caregivers from exposure to aerosolized drugs
V. Describe physiologic effects, goals, hazards, and techniques of lung inflation therapy
(F1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, C7,18,19,20)
A. Identify the common types of atelectasis and list their causes
B. Identify patients that would benefit from lung expansion therapy
C. Describe clinical findings seen in atelectasis
D. Explain how lung expansion therapy works
E. List indications, hazards and complications associated with the various modes of
lung expansion therapy
F. Describe the function of the equipment utilized to treat atelectasis
G. List the primary responsibilities of the respiratory care practitioner in planning,
implementing, and evaluating lung expansion therapy
VI. Demonstrate an understanding of the indications, rationale, contraindications, and
techniques for bronchial hygiene therapy (F 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, C7)
A. Describe how normal airway clearance mechanisms work and what can impair
their function
B. Describe diseases associated with abnormal clearance of secretions
C. List goals and indications that apply to bronchial hygiene therapy
D. Assess the need for bronchial hygiene therapy
E. Select and perform various bronchial hygiene techniques including
1. Postural drainage, percussion and vibration
2. Directed coughing and related expulsion techniques
3. PEP therapy
4. High-frequency compression/oscillation methods
5. Mobilization and exercise
F. Monitor and evaluate a patient’s response to bronchial hygiene therapy
G. Modify bronchial hygiene therapies on the basis of patient response