CEU Courses Text for Respiratory Therapists

This course provides respiratory therapists with insight into the important role they play in preparing patients for successful discharge back to the community. Tools and strategies to assist patients and families in sustaining successful living in the community are shared and demonstrated by a case study.

This course focuses on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of general respiratory drug agents. Classification, mechanism of action, and therapeutic effects are discussed.

This course focuses on the role of anesthesia and its impact on the respiratory system. The two specialties are interrelated, and the course provides an in-depth understanding of evidenced-based anesthesia guidelines and clinical decision-making for the critical care management of patients in intensive care units.

This course focuses on the team approach in the identification and assessment of the acutely, subtly declining patient. The benefits and challenges of both acute and post-acute care response teams are discussed, including reporting accurate findings during assessment and effective communication with the medical staff.

This course provides a review of the various types of tobacco products and nicotine delivery devices. Additional topics include tobacco cessation and tobacco management strategies for the healthcare provider.

Every aspiration event does not inevitably lead to aspiration pneumonia and treatment teams can have an impact on risk reduction. This course enables clinicians in identifying the clients on their caseload who are at higher risk for respiratory illness and in implementing interventions for oral hygiene, head of bed elevation, nutrition, and hydration.

Wheelchair positioning is designed to provide postural support and alignment, pressure distribution, and stability for functional activities. Positioning can also be used to optimize respiration by facilitating an upright trunk and head and supporting the diaphragm. This course presents common positioning scenarios where respiration may be compromised and interventions to address these concerns.

Intubation provides access to mechanical ventilation for patients with respiratory failure but what happens when the patient is extubated? This course will provide information about the causes and consequences of post-extubation dysphagia and will discuss options for assessment and management of these critically ill patients.

This course provides an overview of current anaphylaxis management. Discussion of topics include causes, steps in diagnosis, assessment, allergy testing, and treatment options. Additionally, reviews emergency medication management, patient/caregiver education, and ongoing management.

A landmark study conducted by Kaiser-Permanente established a solid relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This interactive lecture will provide an overview of the findings from this study as well as current literature associated with the topic. An advanced discussion will challenge those providers in post-acute settings to evaluate opportunities to break the cycle of disease and improve quality-of-life for our at-risk population through education and empowerment.