RCP 100 - Intro to Respiratory Care

1. Demonstrate good study and test taking skills
   1. Utilize unit and textbook objectives to guide reading and study
   2. Actively participate in class sessions
   3. Utilize instructor, student and tutoring resources
   4. Utilize textbooks to learn material
   5. Demonstrate effective note taking
   6. Utilize resources of libraries at the college and hospitals
   7. Explain the three domains of learning
   8. Describe various levels of questions which may be encountered
   9. Use resources to prepare for tests
   10. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in testing situations
2. Explain the history of the respiratory care profession
   1. State the contribution of important contributors to the science of respiratory care
   2. Identify the beginnings of the profession of respiratory care
   3. State the important developments in the profession since its inception
   4. Contrast the two levels of respiratory care programs which are accredited by the American Medical Association
   5. Describe job classifications of respiratory care personnel
   6. Describe the role of medical direction in respiratory care.
   7. Compare the training and roles of medical specialists
   8. Contrast organizational structures respiratory care departments may utilize.
3. Explain the relationship of the respiratory care department to a health care organization
   1. Describe the role of the respiratory care (cardiopulmonary) department
   2. Explain how the role of respiratory care departments have evolved
   3. Describe how the functions of the respiratory care department support the goals of the health care organization
   4. Explain how the respiratory care department can best meet the needs of persons receiving care from the organization
4. State the function of major professional and governmental agencies which are related to respiratory care
5. Communicate effectively in the health care setting
   1. Define communication
   2. Explain the importance of communication for success in health care
   3. List four components needed for communication
   4. Explain how choice of methods of communicating may effect the success
   5. Describe responsibilities of each person involved in communication
   6. Evaluate deficiencies in examples of communication
   7. Explain how “good” relationships may be established.
6. Utilize medical records to perform the role of a respiratory care practitioner
   1. Describe purposes for a medical record
   2. State sections into which a medical record may be divided
   3. Contrast advantages and disadvantages to paper based and electronic medical records
   4. Explain the importance of maintaining confidentiality of information contained in medical records
   5. State the information which the JCAHO requires be included in documentation of respiratory care
   6. Explain the importance of additional items which are part of proper documentation of care
   7. Identify the two basic questions which must be answered from the medical record to assist in planning care
   8. Describe how the medical record can assist in avoiding legal difficulties
   9. Obtain needed information from a medical record.
7. Utilize medical terminology properly
   1. Spell medical terms correctly in written form
   2. Pronounce medical terms correctly in verbal communication
   3. Use pulmonary terms and symbols correctly
   4. Explain how medical terms are constructed
   5. Define common root words, suffixes and prefixes
   6. Define terms constructed of these elements
   7. Build medical terms to have certain meanings from these elements
   8. Utilize a medical dictionary to find meaning of unknown terms
   9. State meaning of common abbreviations used in health care.
8. Interpret basic vital signs
   1. State meaning of common abbreviations relative to vital signs
   2. State normal ranges for basic vital signs
   3. Demonstrate method(s) of measuring vital signs of
   4. Convert temperatures obtained from various sites
   5. Convert between fahrenheit and celsius temperatures
   6. Explain the significance of vital sign values outside the normal range
   7. Describe abnormal breathing patterns
   8. Identify the four parts of physical examination of the chest
   9. Identify normal and abnormal breath sounds
9. Utilize chest x-rays to plan respiratory care
   1. Explain the value of roentgenography
   2. Describe limitations to roentgenography
   3. Explain the techniques of normal x-ray examination of the chest
   4. Identify normal structures on Posterior-Anterior and lateral chest X-rays.
   5. Explain advantages for specialized x-ray techniques for examination of the respiratory system
   6. Identify basic pathologies on chest x-rays
10. Evaluate the significance of clinical laboratory data
    1. Explain how sputum samples are obtained and evaluated in diagnosing disease
    2. Describe significance of tests which are performed on pleural fluid.
    3. Describe how tumors are biopsied and evaluated
    4. Describe the methods and significance of skin testing
    5. Describe how cystic fibrosis is diagnosed
    6. Describe the significance of serum titers
    7. State normal values for common studies performed on blood and serum
    8. Describe the significance of abnormal values of any clinical laboratory tests discussed
11. Prevent transmission of infectious agents to patients and themselves
    1. Define terms associated with infectious disease
    2. Identify the most common routes by which infectious diseases are transmitted
    3. Explain why hospitalized persons are more susceptible to infectious disease.
    4. Describe general characteristics of microorganisms which cause disease in humans
    5. Describe the body defenses against infection
    6. Demonstrate the most effective technique for preventing spread of infection
    7. Describe signs of inflammation
    8. Describe purposes and types of isolation used in health care
    9. Describe basic processes of disinfection and sterilization
    10. Explain how the effectiveness of disinfection and sterilization processes can be evaluated
    11. Explain the composition of a surveillance program for infection control
12. Outline practices involved in patient care
    1. Explain electrical hazards to which patients and respiratory care practitioners are exposed
    2. Describe the electrical power distribution system of a hospital
    3. Demonstrate proper care with relation to electrical hazards in the health care setting
    4. Describe the importance of good posture for health care personnel and patients
    5. Demonstrate use of proper body mechanics for health care personnel and patients
    6. Demonstrate proper techniques for moving patients and equipment