RC 234 - Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• 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

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe the term “high-risk birth”;
• describe those factors that place the 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 ratio and its usefulness in fetal assessment.

Part C: Fetal Circulation and the Transition at Birth

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• 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

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe the stages of labor;
• list and describe the components of 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 the normal vital signs of the newborn.

Part E: Thermoregulation of the Newborn

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• 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 the temperature of oxygen given to a newborn;

Part F: Assessment of Oxygenation and Ventilation of the Infant

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• 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 transcutaneous monitoring of oxygenation and ventilation;
• describe how to calibrate and troubleshoot transcutaneous monitors;
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pulse oximetry in newborns; and
• describe the use of capnography in newborns.

Part G: Neonatal Resuscitation

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• 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)

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify the risk factors associated with the development of 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

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• 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 Children

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe the pathophysiology of croup and epiglottitis;
• recognize signs and symptoms of each;
• describe the importance of 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

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe signs, symptoms, and treatment for the following pediatric disorders:
  • asthma;
  • bronchiolitis;
  • cystic fibrosis; and
  • neuromuscular disease.