RTH-210: Ventilator Management I

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
  1. Principles of Mechanical Ventilation
  2. Theory of Mechanical Ventilation
  3. Components of the Ventilator Circuit
  4. Compliance and Resistance
  5. Modes of Ventilation: Indications and Changing Modes
  6. Initiation of Ventilatory Support
  7. Initial Ventilator Settings in Volume and Pressure Targeted Ventilation
  8. Ventilator Check-Out Procedure
  9. Patient Ventilator System Monitoring
  10. Recommending Parameter Changes during Mechanical Ventilation
  11. Effects and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation
  12. Discontinuation and Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Describe the normal mechanics by which spontaneous ventilation occurs.
  2. Describe the mechanism of positive pressure ventilation and its effect on body systems.
  3. Discuss the hazards associated with positive pressure ventilation, especially barotrauma and volutrauma.
  4. Compare and contrast volume and pressure targeted/control ventilation.
  5. Discuss the traditional modes of ventilation, each of their uses, advantages and disadvantages.
  6. Identify the criteria to establish the need for mechanical ventilation.
  7. Describe the use of Positive End Expiratory Pressure/Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (PEEP/CPAP) as methods to improve oxygenation.
  8. Discuss the use of patient assessment to improve ventilation.
  9. Discuss the ventilatory techniques and methods used to improve ventilation.<
  10. Discuss the appropriate use and setting of alarms in the patient ventilator system.
  11. Explain the methods available to effectively monitor patients on life support.
  12. Identify the waveform patterns utilized in mechanical ventilation.
  13. Describe the information and troubleshooting capabilities of waveform patterns.
  14. Demonstrate the operation of commonly utilized adult mechanical ventilators.
  15. Set-up and demonstrate initial settings, parameter changes and troubleshooting capabilities with mechanical ventilation.
  16. Discuss the use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.
  17. Recommend initial ventilator settings and ventilator parameter changes given case studies.
  18. Discuss the primary factors to consider when evaluating a patient for ventilator weaning.
  19. 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
ILT Approval Date
AALC Approval Date
Curriculum Committee Approval Date
Review Semester
Fall 2019