RTH-250: Advanced Mechanical Ventilation

School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Respiratory Therapy
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Respiratory Therapist
Course Number
250
Course Title
Advanced Mechanical Ventilation
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-210 and RTH-289 both with a C grade or better
Catalog Course Description

Emphasizes the assessment and management of respiratory care patients. Students apply techniques and concepts to treat patients with disease states seen in the critical care areas. This lecture/lab course includes advanced mechanical ventilatory techniques for premature neonates through adults. Participants develop treatment plans utilizing patient-driven protocols.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Neuromuscular Disease
  2. Traumatic Injuries: Pneumothorax, Bronchopulmonary Fistula, Chest Wall Injuries, Pulmonary Contusion
  3. Acute Lung Injury / Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
  4. Pneumonia: Community Acquired, Aspiration, Ventilator Associated
  5. Burns and Inhalational Injury
  6. Pressure Targeted and Volume Guaranteed Ventilation
  7. Biphasic Ventilation
  8. Non-Invasive Ventilation
  9. Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation
  10. End of Life Management
  11. Pharmacological Agents in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Nitric Oxide
  12. Mechanical Ventilation of Neonates and Pediatrics
  13. Infant Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and High-Flow Nasal Cannula
  14. High Frequency Ventilation
  15. Recruitment Techniques
  16. Advanced Ventilator Graphics
  17. New Modes of Ventilation
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Describe changes in the components of the physical exam associated with pulmonary dysfunction.
  2. Describe the normal chest radiograph (CXR).
  3. Differentiate between information provided by x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pulmonary angiography and ventilation/perfusion scans.
  4. Describe the indications, clinical utility, and radiographic findings on CXR for thoracic abnormalities.
  5. Interpret laboratory study data associated with cardiopulmonary disorders.
  6. Describe the anatomic alterations of the lungs caused by disorders encountered in the critical care areas.
  7. Explain the major pathophysiologic mechanisms activated throughout the respiratory system as a result of the anatomic alterations.
  8. Identify the common clinical manifestations that develop as a result of the anatomic alterations and pathophysiologic changes.
  9. Formulate a treatment plan for selected disorders.
  10. Discuss the advanced modes of mechanical ventilation, their uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
  11. Set-up and demonstrate initial settings, changes, and troubleshooting capabilities for advanced mechanical ventilator strategies in the adult.
  12. Describe the methods available in the weaning process including end of life management.
  13. Recommend initial ventilator settings and appropriate ventilator changes in related patient scenarios.
  14. Identify the criteria to establish the need for mechanical ventilation in neonates and children.
  15. Describe the types and modes of ventilation used to ventilate neonates and children.
  16. Explain the methods available to effectively monitor neonates and children on life support.
  17. Demonstrate the operation of commonly utilized neonatal/pediatric mechanical ventilators.
  18. Set-up and demonstrate initial settings, changes, and troubleshooting capabilities with neonatal/pediatric continuous (CMV – continuous mechanical ventilation) life support.
  19. Discuss the appropriate use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and high-flow nasal cannula with neonates and children.
  20. Describe respiratory care procedures in the treatment of infants and children.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Assessment will be based on assignments, lab practicals, course exams, and a final exam.

General Course Requirements and Recommendations

This course must be passed 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