RESP 203A - Respiratory Care 4

6 credits

Covers invasive and non- invasive monitoring of the critically ill patient. Invasive studies include cardiac catheterization, arterial cannulation, and related hemodynamic monitoring. Non-invasive studies include oximetry, capnography, ECG monitoring and transcutaneous gas analysis. An intubation rotation is conducted where students develop proficiency in both intubation and extubation techniques. Neonatal and pediatric critical care, as well as general care, is covered, including high-risk delivery and transport, hyaline membrane disease, BPD, PFC, and other cardio-pulmonary dysfunctions peculiar to this population. The final segment of the course covers home care and rehabilitation. Laboratory practicums include application of an ECG arrhythmia simulator to an oscilloscope for interpretation and intervention; setup and maintenance of pulmonary artery catheters; interpretation of cardiovascular pressures; end-tidal CO2 analysis; VQ determinations; intubation/extubations on manikins; treadmill stress-testing; application, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of infant ventilators; infant CPAP devices and O2 hoods. Studies in this area include stress testing and patient education as well as rehabilitative procedures. May be taken for Honors.

Corequisite: RESP 204A Lab and RESP 243 Clinical 4.
Prerequisites: RESP 201A Respiratory Care 3 and RESP 241 Clinical 3.
Offered spring semester.