RESP1110 : Respiratory Therapy Foundations

In this lecture course students learn and review mechanics of the pulmonary system and the relationship between respiration and cardiac function. Students learn to recognize normal and abnormal arterial blood gas results. They learn the principles of gas physics and their application to oxygen, aerosol, and humidity therapies. Students begin the process of professional development and learn self-esteem and motivational skills necessary to become employed. Students learn the conditions that indicate the need for oxygen therapy. They explore the potential hazards associated with oxygen therapy, study the different oxygen delivery devices, and learn how to assemble and test equipment. They practice setting up oxygen, aerosol, and humidity therapies. Students learn to perform patient assessments, including assessing the need for secretion removal and how to perform the appropriate procedures.  They are introduced to the various pharmacological agents used in respiratory therapy and their biochemical properties. Students learn the indications for and the potential hazards of hyperinflation and incentive spirometry therapies. Professional development, ethics and critical thinking is introduced.