RC 120 - Principles of Respiratory Care II

1. demonstrate an understanding of arterial blood gas samples;
   1. identify various components of an arterial blood gas;
   2. identify the cause of changes in arterial blood gas parameters;
   3. classify arterial blood gas samples; and
   4. recognize how to correct changes using mechanical ventilation.
2. demonstrate an understanding of the physiology of ventilatory support;
   1. what are the effects of mechanical ventilation on oxygenation, ventilation, and lung mechanics;
   2. what are the effects of positive pressure ventilation on other body systems;
   3. what are the complications and hazards of providing mechanical ventilatory support; and
   4. how to minimize the adverse effects of mechanical ventilation.
3. demonstrate a basic understanding of mechanical ventilators;
   1. the basic design features of ventilators;
   2. how to classify ventilators and how they work;
   3. what constitutes a mode of ventilation;
   4. how to classify and understand modes of ventilation;
   5. when to use the basic modes of ventilatory support;
   6. how selected modes of ventilatory support are applied;
   7. identify and interpret various ventilator waveform graphics;
   8. describe the theory behind the use of high-frequency ventilation; and
   9. describe indications for high-frequency ventilation.
4. demonstrate and understand the initiation and adjustment of ventilatory support; 
   1. what are the indications for mechanical ventilation;
   2. how to identify and assess patients who need ventilatory support;
   3. how to choose an appropriate ventilator to begin ventilatory support;
   4. how to select an appropriate mode of ventilation given a patient’s specific condition and ventilatory requirements;
   5. what are the appropriate initial ventilator settings, based on a patient assessment, for beginning mechanical ventilation;
   6. how to assess a patient after initiation of ventilation; and
   7. how to adjust the ventilator based on the patient’s response.
5. demonstrate an understanding of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation; and
   1. how noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is defined;
   2. what are the goals of and indications for NPPV;
   3. how to select patients for NPPV;
   4. what factors are predictive of success during NPPV;
   5. how to differentiate patient interfaces, types of ventilators, and their modes of ventilation;
   6. how to initiate and manage NPPV in the acute care setting; and
   7. what complications are associated with NPPV and the possible solutions.