Mar 29, 2024  
Fall 2017 Catalog 
    
Fall 2017 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

RC 234 - Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care


Credit Hours: 3

This course will explore the area of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Beginning with the developmental changes in utero to the transitions at birth to the continuing development thereafter, the course will identify the risks and problems associated with these developments and explain the procedure and rationale for delivering the appropriate respiratory care. This course will also explore the specific neonatal and pediatric disease states as well as their treatment as it relates to respiratory care.

Course Outcomes
Part A: Intrauterine Development

  • describe the intrauterine growth and development in relation to gestational age;
  • describe and explain how the placenta acts as the metabolic interchange between fetus and mother; and
  • describe techniques used to determine fetal age and maturity.


Part B: Assessing the Fetus

  • describe the term “high risk birth”;
  • describe those factors which place mother and fetus in a high risk category;
  • describe fetal heart rate monitoring;
  • describe the difference between normal and abnormal heart rate patterns;
  • describe the purpose of fetal ultrasound and amniocentesis; and
  • describe the L/S ration and its usefulness in fetal assessment.

Part C: Fetal Circulation and the Transition at Birth

  • describe fetal circulation;
  • describe the process of circulation changing from fetal to adult; and
  • explain how fetal lung fluid dissipates.

Part D: Assessing the Newborn

  • describe the stages of labor;
  • list and describe the components to the Apgar score;
  • describe what an Apgar score indicates;
  • describe the components of the Silverman-Anderson Index;
  • describe the Dubowitz & Ballard Gestational Age Assessment tools; and
  • describe normal vital signs of the newborn.

Part E: Thermoregulation of the Newborn

  • describe how heat may be lost
  • describe how a premature infant is susceptible to heat loss
  • describe how heat loss is protected
  • describe what a neutral thermal environment is; and
  • describe the importance of monitoring temperature of oxygen given to a newborn;

Part F: Assessment of Oxygenation and Ventilation of the Infant

  • identify the various methods of obtaining blood samples to analyze oxygenation and ventilation;
  • identify the indications and hazards of using the various blood sample sites;
  • describe the use of transcutantous monitoring of oxygenation and ventilation;
  • describe how to calibrate and troubleshoot transcutaneal monitors;
  • discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pulse oximetry in newborns; and
  • describe the use of capnographic in newborns.

Part G: Neonatal Resuscitation

  • describe the overview and principles of neonatal resuscitation;
  • describe the initial steps in resuscitation;
  • describe how to use a resuscitation bag and mask;
  • describe how to perform chest compressions; and
  • describe medications used in neonatal resuscitation.

Part H: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

  • identify the risk factors associated with the development RDS;
  • define RDS;
  • state the signs and symptoms of RDS;
  • identify the changes of an x-ray of a newborn with RDS; and
  • produce a basic course of respiratory therapy for a newborn with RDS.

Part I: Additional Neonatal Disorders

Identify the signs and symptoms of and provide treatment for the following disorders including:

  • meconium aspiration;
  • persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn;
  • bronchopulmonary dysplasia / chronic lung disease of the newborn;
  • transient tachypnea of the newborn;
  • retinotherapy of prematurity;
  • diaphragmatic hernia; and
  • necrotizing enterocolitis.

Part J: Upper Airway Obstruction in Childre

  • describe the pathophysiology of croup and epilottitis;
  • recognize signs and symptoms of each;
  • describe the importance in determining the difference between croup and epiglottitis;
  • describe the treatment for each; and
  • recognize and treat foreign body aspiration in the child.

Part K: Pediatric Disorders

Describe signs, symptoms, and treatment for the following pediatric disorders:

  • asthma;
  • bronchiolitis;
  • cystic fibrosis; and
  • neuromuscular disease.


Prerequisites: Matriculation in the Respiratory Care Program or permission of department. Successful completion of all first year Respiratory Care coursework. All Respiratory coursework must be taken in sequential order.
F (N)