Respiratory therapist Standard 3.1 Compare and contrast respiratory therapy related careers and their scope of practice

What is a Respiratory Therapist Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Duties Interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders Consult with physicians to develop patient treatment plans Perform diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity Treat patients by using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications Monitor and record the progress of treatment Supervise respiratory therapy technicians during tests and evaluate the findings of the tests Teach patients how to use treatments

Respiratory therapists use various tests to evaluate patients Respiratory therapists use various tests to evaluate patients. For example, therapists test lung capacity. Respiratory therapists perform chest physiotherapy on patients to remove mucus from their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe. Respiratory therapists may connect patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators that deliver oxygen to the lungs. Therapists insert a tube in the patient’s windpipe (trachea) and connect the tube to ventilator equipment.

Work environment Respiratory therapists treat patients in every age group. . Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Others may work in nursing care facilities or travel to patients’ homes. Most respiratory therapists work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities, such as hospitals that are always open, some may work evening, night, or weekend hours.

Education Respiratory therapists need at least an associate’s degree, but employers may prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree. All programs have clinical components. Respiratory therapy programs include courses in human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except Alaska, although requirements vary by state. Licensure requirements in most states include completing a state or professional certification exam.. Many employers prefer to hire respiratory therapists who have certification. Certification is not always required, but it is widely respected throughout the occupation.

pay The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $55,870 in May 2012. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,980, and the top 10 percent earned more than $75,430.

Job outlook Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and other disorders that can permanently damage the lungs or restrict lung function. These factors will in turn lead to an increased demand for respiratory therapy services and treatments, mostly in hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, advances in preventing and detecting disease, improved medications, and more sophisticated treatments will increase the demand for respiratory therapists. Other conditions affecting the general population, such as smoking, air pollution, and respiratory emergencies, will continue to create demand for respiratory therapists. Job Prospects Job prospects will be best for therapists willing to travel to look for job opportunities. Some areas will be saturated with workers, while other areas (more often, rural areas) will be in need of respiratory therapists’ services.

In action

assessment HISTORY – “ABC” CC, DYSPNEA,COUGH, RELEVANT HISTORY- medical,age, sex, height, allergies, respiratory INSPECTION – VITAL SIGNS, COLOR, DIAPHORESIS,RESPIRATORY PATTERN, COUGH , NASAL FLARING, PURSED LIPPED BREATHING, GRUNTING PALPATION - Perform Turgor assessment PERCUSSION- Diaphragm excursion AUSCULTATION- Crackle, Wheezes, stridor DIAGNOSTICS- Give pt a treatment DOCUMENT- What happened after treatment

Respiratory Clinic 1. ABC 2.CC 3.Relevant History 4.Vitals- Pulse, Respiration, BP, Pulse Oximetry and incentive spirometry 5. COLOR, DIAPHORESIS,RESPIRATORY PATTERN, COUGH , NASAL FLARING, PURSED LIPPED BREATHING, GRUNTING 6. Perform Turgor assessment 7. Diaphragm excursion 8. AUSCULTATION 9. Give aerosol trx. 10. Chart in Pts. Chart (Summary and Vitals)

Turgor assessment

Diaphragm excursion Place hands on the 10th ribs and watch during exhalation and inhalation. Do the same from the front with hands on xiphoid process

Auscultation Use stethoscope to listen to the sounds of the lungs down the back

How to use the incentive spirometer                                                                             Using your incentive spirometer after surgery will help you keep your lungs clear and will help keep your lungs active throughout the recovery process, as if you were performing your daily activities. How to use the incentive spirometer 1.Sit on the edge of your bed if possible, or sit up as far as you can in bed. 2.Hold the incentive spirometer in an upright position. 3.Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it. 4.Breathe in slowly and as deeply as possible. Notice the yellow piston rising toward the top of the column. The yellow indicator should reach the blue outlined area. 5.Hold your breath as long as possible. Then exhale slowly and allow the piston to fall to the bottom of the column. 6.Rest for a few seconds and repeat steps one to five at least 10 times every hour. 7.Position the yellow indicator on the left side of the spirometer to show your best effort. Use the indicator as a goal to work toward during each slow deep breath. 8.After each set of 10 deep breaths, cough to be sure your lungs are clear. If you have an incision, support your incision when coughing by placing a pillow firmly against it. 9.Once you are able to get out of bed safely, take frequent walks and practice the cough.

activities As a respiratory therapist you will need to perform an assessment as well as use the incentive spirometer. Take Pulse oximeter reading Provide Aerosol Therapy for your patient