RC 122 Introduction to Mechanical Ventilation

This course introduces core concepts of mechanical ventilator support of the ventilator dependent patient. Discussion includes ventilator modes and settings, monitoring/assessment parameters, and devices used for short and long-term mechanical ventilatory support.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Admission to the Respiratory Care program

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Evaluate arterial blood gas data
2. Describe basic terms and concepts of mechanical ventilation
3. Classify mechanical ventilators using standard terminology and describe the physical characteristics and functional operation of commonly used ventilators
4. Describe the four phases of breath, the phase variables and identify how these may vary to produce the different classifications of ventilator breaths
5. Identify the need for mechanical ventilation based on patient data
6. Identify different airway adjuncts and explain their impact on breathing
7. Identify the role of NPPV and explain settings, interfaces, potential complications and approaches for successful initiation and weaning
8. Interpret basic ventilator graphics
9. Identify how changes in waveforms correspond with changes in lung characteristics