RTH-220: Respiratory Care in Neonates and Pediatrics

School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Respiratory Therapy
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Respiratory Therapist
Course Number
220
Course Title
Respiratory Care in Neonates and Pediatrics
Credit Hours
1.50
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
24.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
24.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
RTH-210 and RTH-289 both with a C grade or better
Catalog Course Description

Introduces the principles of respiratory care for the neonatal or pediatric patient with cardiopulmonary disease or abnormalities. Covers anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and assessment of the neonatal and pediatric patient with cardiopulmonary abnormalities and diseases. Offered as an eight-week course.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Pregnancy and Fetal Development
    • Explain the development and growth of the cardiopulmonary system of the fetus from conception to birth.
  2. High Risk Pregnancy
  3. Fetal-Neonatal Transition
    • Describe the structures and the path of blood flow through fetal circu
      lation.
    • Describe factors that cause the change from fetal to adult circulation.
    • Describe the factors that affect the initiation of neonatal breathing.
  4. Neonatal Assessment & Care of the Newborn
    • Describe the factors that affect the initiation of neonatal breathing.
    • Discuss the various conditions that can lead to premature birth.
    • Assign an appropriate APGAR score in related patient scenarios.
    • Compare cardiopulmonary anatomical and physiological differences among the infant, child, and adult.
    • Describe the components evaluated during the neonatal physical ex amination.
  5. Neonatal Resuscitation
    • Discuss the development of complications during and after the birthing process.
    • Describe each step of the neonatal resuscitation process.
  6. Special Problems in the Newborn
    • Describe the anatomic alterations of the lungs caused by neonatal/pediatric disorders encountered by the respiratory thera
      pist.
  7. Neonatal Pulmonary Disorders
    • Explain the major pathophysiologic mechanisms activated through out the respiratory system as a result of the anatomic alterations.
  8. Neonatal Congenital Anomalies & Cardiovascular Conditions
    • Explain the various Congenital Anomalies and Cardiovascular conditions in the neonate.
  9. Pediatric Assessment & Pediatric Pulmonary Disorders
    • Identify the common clinical manifestations that develop as a result of the anatomic alterations and pathophysiologic changes.
    • Formulate a treatment plan for selected neonatal/pediatric disorders encountered by the respiratory therapist.
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Explain the development and growth of the cardiopulmonary system of the fetus from conception to birth.
  2. Describe the structures and the path of blood flow through fetal circulation.
  3. Describe factors that cause the change from fetal to adult circulation.
  4. Describe the factors that affect the initiation of neonatal breathing.
  5. Discuss the various conditions that can lead to premature birth.
  6. Discuss the development of complications during and after the birthing process.
  7. Describe each step of the neonatal resuscitation process.
  8. Assign an appropriate APGAR score in related patient scenarios.
  9. Compare cardiopulmonary anatomical and physiological differences among the infant, child, and adult.
  10. Describe the components evaluated during the neonatal physical examination.
  11. Describe the anatomic alterations of the lungs caused by neonatal/pediatric disorders encountered by the respiratory therapist.
  12. Explain the major pathophysiologic mechanisms activated throughout the respiratory system as a result of the anatomic alterations.
  13. Identify the common clinical manifestations that develop as a result of the anatomic alterations and pathophysiologic changes.
  14. Formulate a treatment plan for selected neonatal/pediatric disorders encountered by the respiratory therapist.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Assessment will be based on course exams, participation, assignment, quizzes, and a 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.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Satisfies Honors Requirements
No
Effective Term
Fall 2025