Credits Hours: 9.00

Course Description:
Lesson I: ventilation and perfusion, patient assessment and laboratory and diagnostic procedures including blood gas interpretation; examples of various breath sounds. Lesson II: discussion of disorders including acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, atelectasis, pneumonia, pneumothorax, status asthmaticus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary embolism. Thoracic surgery and effective management of chest tubes. Lesson III: various types of oxygen adjuncts and noninvasive and invasive methods of mechanical ventilation available to treat pulmonary disorders.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Define the 2 major functions of the pulmonary system: respiration and ventilation.
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the pulmonary system, including:
  • A. The macro and micro structures
  • B. Pulmonary and bronchial circulation
  • C. Chemical and neurologic regulation of ventilation
• Explain the principles of gas exchange (respiration) including the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.
• Identify causes of hypoxemia.
• Identify and assess the patient for clinical presentation consistent with impaired ventilation and/or hypoxemia.
• Assess for normal and adventitious breath sounds, and symptoms of increased work of breathing.
• Describe commonly used diagnostic tests in the evaluation and management of patients with pulmonary disorders.
• Evaluate blood gas results and determine the presence of acid-base abnormalities and adequacy of oxygenation.
• Assess the patient for clinical presentation of acute respiratory failure.
• Describe medical and nursing management for patients with acute respiratory failure.
• Evaluate the patient for clinical presentation of pulmonary disorders that can progress to acute respiratory failure including:
  • A. Atelectasis
  • B. Pneumonia
  • C. Pneumothorax
  • D. Pulmonary embolism
  • E. Status asthmaticus
  • F. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Describe the effects of thoracic surgery on pulmonary function.
• Review the components and function of chest drainage systems.
• Compare and contrast low-flow, reservoir, and high-flow oxygen delivery systems.
• Describe the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
• Identify indications for intubation.
• Describe the purpose and function of commonly used ventilator modes.
• Describe nursing management of the patient who requires mechanical ventilation.
• Identify variables that impact ventilator weaning.
• Describe nursing management of patients who are being weaned from mechanical ventilation.