Critical Care Adults CEU Courses for Respiratory Therapists

A review of principles of respiratory life support. Focus will be on goals of mechanical support to include effective gas exchange and avoidance of ventilator induced lung injury.

This course provides a review of the ROX Index as a tool for high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use. In addition, this course discusses current research relating to the success and failure of HFNC when comparing ROX scores across patient populations.

The Pulse of Respiratory Care: Mastering Cardiac Rhythms" is an advanced course designed to provide respiratory care practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of cardiac rhythms and their implications for respiratory care. This course will delve into the intricate mechanisms of cardiac rhythms, including normal sinus rhythm and various dysrhythmias, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, interpret, and respond to cardiac rhythm abnormalities effectively.

Patients with neurological deficits often present special challenges for respiratory therapists, given their potential motor, sensory, and cognitive-linguistic deficits. This course provides respiratory therapists with the tools to predict and identify neurological deficits in their patients and to implement compensatory strategies to ensure success with respiratory treatments and interventions.

Respiratory therapists are integral members of a healthcare team, collaborating closely with physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals. Proficiency in recognizing radiology patterns empowers them to communicate effectively within the team, providing valuable insights to enhance the overall patient care plan. The introductory course reviews radiological imaging (chest X-rays) for common respiratory disease patterns and the role of respiratory therapists in interpreting these images and identifying abnormal patterns indicative of different respiratory conditions.

This introductory course introduces mechanical ventilation concepts, including lung mechanics related to resistance and compliance. Evidence-based methods for respiratory mechanics measurement are discussed, along with identifying early signs of pulmonary deterioration and best practice goals for management.

The latest ESICM guidelines on defining, classifying, and supporting ARDS are reviewed in this journal club presentation. Diagnostic criteria, phenotypic categories, ventilator/oxygenation best practices, and clinical translation will be discussed.

Auto-PEEP, or Auto-Positive End-Expiratory Pressure, In respiratory therapy, is a critical phenomenon where insufficient time is allowed for complete exhalation, leading to an accumulation of air in the lungs before the next breath, potentially causing complications such as barotrauma and compromising oxygenation. The introductory course explores the determination of Auto-PEEP using extended methods, providing insights into the research on its identification and potential treatment measures.

For respiratory therapists, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) serves as a valuable diagnostic tool to assess the cardiac function of patients. While respiratory therapists primarily focus on the respiratory system, they often encounter patients with cardiopulmonary conditions, where understanding cardiac activity is crucial. The lecture introduces electrocardiogram interpretation and case studies, reviewing ECG interpretation and management strategies.

This course explores the intricacies of advanced monitoring techniques essential for optimizing patient care during mechanical ventilation. In this comprehensive course, we delve into various methods for monitoring during mechanical ventilation and examine the evidence supporting newer monitoring techniques.