Seward County Community College
Course Syllabus

1. TITLE OF COURSE: RT1124 - Respiratory Therapy Procedures I - Fall 2008
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Four credit hours. This is a three hour theory course presented in the classroom and online with a one hour lab. The online portion of the course requires the student to have the following software on their personal computers or access to: Microsoft Word; Microsoft Excel; and Microsoft Powerpoint. Each student will need access to the Internet. The course is designed to acquaint the student with fundamental patient assessment, theory of equipment operation, indications and hazards of clinical application. Content includes therapeutic gas administration, humidity and aerosol therapy, hyperinflation therapy, and chest physiotherapy. Laboratory sections are used to familiarize the student with equipment operation, safety, and how to assemble and disassemble various pieces of equipment.
3. DIVISION/DEPT/PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT: The respiratory therapy program will provide an educational forum responsive to the needs of the health care community, focusing on cost-effectiveness and emphasis to maximize professional potential and contribute to quality patient care.
4. TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:
   • Required:
     • AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines – Internet
     • Wilkins, R. L., Stoller, J. K., and Kacmarek, R. M. (2009). Egan's fundamentals of respiratory care. (9th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
     • Wilkins, R. L., Krider, S. J., & Sheldon, R. L. (2005). Clinical assessment in respiratory care. (5th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
     • Cairo, J. M., and Pilbeam, S. P. (2004). Respiratory Care Equipment. (7th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
   • Optional:
     • Oaks, D. (2004). Clinical practitioner's pocket guide to respiratory care. (6th ed.). Orono: Health Educator Publications.
5. SCCC OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate the ability to do the following SCCC Outcomes.
   • Outcome #1 Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained to real life situations.
6. GENERAL COURSE OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course, each student should be able to:
   • Apply standard medical terminology to define and translate common medical terms.
   • Identify and apply primary medical abbreviations and symbols used in pulmonary physiology and respiratory care.
   • Assess a patient's clinical status to ascertain the need for medical intervention.
   • Develop respiratory care plan based on patient assessment.
   • Recommend appropriate therapy based on the patient assessment.
   • Evaluate patient outcome and recommend modification to respiratory care plan, as indicated.
   • Delineate the basic safety considerations involved in patient care.
   • Apply basic physics to the practice of respiratory care.
   • Identify, describe, and recommend appropriate respiratory care procedures and equipment to be used in the support and treatment of cardiopulmonary disorders.
   • Demonstrate laboratory and clinical proficiency in selection, assembly, application, monitoring, and troubleshooting various pieces of respiratory therapy equipment.
   • Demonstrate basic patient assessment skills to include vital signs, breath sounds, palpation, percussion, and patient interview.
   • Determine the clinical status based on the obtained patient assessment data.
   • Explain and demonstrate appropriate techniques for CPT, incentive spirometry, and pulmonary breathing exercises.
   • Assemble necessary equipment, explain and apply appropriate techniques for administering humidity therapy.
   • Explain rationale, assemble require equipment, and apply high flow and/or low flow oxygen systems.
   • Evaluate patient's inspiratory flow rates and calculate total delivered flows necessary to meet or exceed the patients demand.
   • Explain the therapeutic use of oxygen.
   • Discuss and apply the various delivery devices used in oxygen therapy.
   • Recommend modifications in prescribed therapy based on current patient status.
7. COURSE COMPETENCIES: Course competencies will be handed out separately on the first day of class.
8. TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE:
   • Introduction to Patient Assessment and Respiratory Care Plan Development
   • Patient Interview and Medical History
   • Cardiopulmonary Symptoms
   • Vital Signs
   • Physical Examination
   • Clinical Laboratory Studies
   • Bronchial Hygiene Therapy
   • Hyperinflation Therapy (Lung Expansion Therapy)
   • Oxygen Therapy
   • Humidity and Aerosol Therapy
9. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
   • Textbooks and Handouts
   • Lecture and Discussion
   • Out of Class Assignments
   • Overheads
   • Audiovisuals
   • WebCT
10. INSTRUCTIONAL AND RESOURCE MATERIALS:
    • Textbooks and Journals
    • Audiovisual Material
    • Laboratory Equipment
    • Computer Tutorials and Simulations
    • Article Reviews
    • WebCT
      
11. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:
    • Grading Criteria
      • 60% - Unit Exams
      • 25% - Quizzes and Homework
      • 15% - Final Exam
        
        In addition to the minimum of a grade “C” obtained in each required class, an average of at least 75% is required on unit exams in each respiratory therapy course to receive a passing grade. Failure to achieve an end semester average of less than 75% the student will be ineligible to continue with the program.
        
        In addition to the above, the student must successfully complete all required lab check-offs. Failure to complete will result in the student not earning a passing grade.
        
    • SCCC Outcome #1 will be assessed and measured by class participation and successful completion of unit exams indicating comprehension of material read.
      
12. ADA STATEMENT: If you believe that you are entitled to special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Dean of Student Services at 620-417-1016 or visit the office located in the Hobble Academic Building.
    
    
    8/05; 5/06; 8/07; 5/08