Critical Care Adults CEU Courses for Respiratory Therapists

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.

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 advanced course is designed to provide respiratory care practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of cardiac rhythms and their implications for respiratory care. This course delves 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.

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.

Mechanical ventilators use positive pressure, unlike normal breathing, which uses negative pressure; as such, ventilators will always have some impact on hemodynamics. This course describes how to have the least detrimental impact on the lungs and other organs during NIV, CMV, and HFV.

ACLS presentation provides essential strategies to effectively manage the four deadly rhythms of cardiac arrest, ensuring confident and competent emergency response. The courses dive into advanced cardiac life support techniques designed to empower healthcare professionals in critical situations, seamlessly bridging theory with practical application for life-saving interventions.

Time constants are critical for understanding best practices for mechanical ventilation, including NIV, conventional ventilation, and high frequency ventilation. This lecture defines time constants, how they change as lung injury evolves, and their importance for properly applying mechanical and non-invasive ventilation.

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.

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.

The course reviews advancements in respiratory and critical care and involves examining major trends in mechanical ventilation and noninvasive ventilation management. The research incorporates findings from the literature review into practical applications, aiming to enhance best-practice patient care in real-world settings.