School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Respiratory Therapy
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Respiratory Therapist
Course Number
210
Course Title
Ventilator Management I
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
84.50 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
84.50 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
RTH-160, RTH-170, RTH 180, RTH-195 all with a C or better
Catalog Course Description
A study of the theories, techniques, and equipment involved in the initiation, maintenance, and discontinuation of mechanical ventilation in the adult patient. Laboratory experiences with a variety of adult mechanical ventilators.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- Principles of Mechanical Ventilation
- Theory of Mechanical Ventilation
- Components of the Ventilator Circuit
- Compliance and Resistance
- Modes of Ventilation: Indications and Changing Modes
- Initiation of Ventilatory Support
- Initial Ventilator Settings in Volume and Pressure Targeted Ventilation
- Ventilator Check-Out Procedure
- Patient Ventilator System Monitoring
- Recommending Parameter Changes during Mechanical Ventilation
- Effects and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation
- Discontinuation and Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
- Describe the normal mechanics by which spontaneous ventilation occurs.
- Describe the mechanism of positive pressure ventilation and its effect on body systems.
- Discuss the hazards associated with positive pressure ventilation, especially barotrauma and volutrauma.
- Compare and contrast volume and pressure targeted/control ventilation.
- Discuss the traditional modes of ventilation, each of their uses, advantages and disadvantages.
- Identify the criteria to establish the need for mechanical ventilation.
- Describe the use of Positive End Expiratory Pressure/Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (PEEP/CPAP) as methods to improve oxygenation.
- Discuss the use of patient assessment to improve ventilation.
- Discuss the ventilatory techniques and methods used to improve ventilation.<
- Discuss the appropriate use and setting of alarms in the patient ventilator system.
- Explain the methods available to effectively monitor patients on life support.
- Identify the waveform patterns utilized in mechanical ventilation.
- Describe the information and troubleshooting capabilities of waveform patterns.
- Demonstrate the operation of commonly utilized adult mechanical ventilators.
- Set-up and demonstrate initial settings, parameter changes and troubleshooting capabilities with mechanical ventilation.
- Discuss the use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.
- Recommend initial ventilator settings and ventilator parameter changes given case studies.
- Discuss the primary factors to consider when evaluating a patient for ventilator weaning.
- Describe the methods available in the weaning process.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
Assessment will be based on completion of assignments, lab practicals, course exams, lab and a comprehensive final exam.
General Course Requirements and Recommendations
Students must pass this course with a "C" or better to remain in the RTH Program.
Texts
To be determined by program faculty.
Approval Dates
Effective Term
Fall 2019
Review Semester
Fall 2019