RTH-100: Principles of Respiratory Care

School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Respiratory Therapy
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Respiratory Therapist
Course Number
100
Course Title
Principles of Respiratory Care
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Admission to the Respiratory Therapist Program
Catalog Course Description

An in-depth study of the cardiopulmonary system from fetal development through old age in health and disease. Topics include Respiratory Care history, cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, the effects of aging on the pulmonary system, basic pulmonary assessment and an introduction to basic pulmonary diseases

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. History of Respiratory Care
  2. Profession of Respiratory Therapy
  3. Gross Anatomy of the Cardiopulmonary System
  4. Anatomy & Physiology of the Airway
  5. Anatomy & Physiology of the Lung Acinus
  6. Physiology of Ventilation
  7. Control of Ventilation
  8. Introduction to Respiratory Disease
  9. Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Disease
  10. Laboratory Tests in Respiratory Disease
  11. Basic Assessment of the Pulmonary Patient
  12. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  13. Asthma
  14. Miscellaneous Respiratory Diseases in the Adult
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Explain the significant developments leading to the current practice of respiratory care in North America.
  2. Identify the national and state professional organizations for respiratory care.
  3. Discuss the accreditation, credentialing and medical direction aspects of the respiratory care profession.
  4. Discuss the traditional and non-traditional role of Respiratory Therapists in health care.
  5. Describe the gross anatomy of the respiratory system.
  6. Describe the primary and secondary functions of the major components of the respiratory system.
  7. Describe the histology of the respiratory system.
  8. Compare the roles of the diaphragm, accessory muscles and abdominal muscles during the respiratory cycle.
  9. Differentiate between the pressures and pressure gradients required to create airflow during the respiratory cycle.
  10. Describe the role of airway resistance and respiratory system compliance during the respiratory cycle.
  11. Explain the role of the nervous system in the control of ventilation
  12. Describe the role of the central and peripheral chemoreceptors in the regulation of breathing.
  13. Differentiate the regulation of breathing in individuals with chronic hypercapnia versus healthy persons.
  14. Justify the use of low FIO2’s in patients with chronic hypercapnia.
  15. Describe the effects of aging on the components of the respiratory system.
  16. List the major components of a health history.
  17. Identify and describe the components of the chest physical examination.
  18. Evaluate clinical information of a patient’s overall cardiopulmonary status by inspection, palpation, and auscultation.
  19. List and discuss the diagnostic tests relevant to the development of a respiratory care plan.
  20. Define, identify risk factors, and describe pathophysiology of COPD and asthma.
  21. Describe the anatomical alterations and clinical manifestations of COPD and asthma

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Assessment will be based on written exams and one comprehensive final exam.

General Course Requirements and Recommendations

Students must pass this course with a "C" grade or higher to remain in the RTH Program.

Texts

Textbook(s) to be determined through program faculty approval.

Effective Term
Fall 2019