ASSIGNMENT NO # 01
SUBMITTED BY: SHOAIB MEHMOOD
SUBMITTED TO: SIR AHMAR
SUBJECT: SPECIAL RESPIRATORY
CARE
SAP ID: 70133025
ASSIGNMENT TOPIC: ROLES OF RESPIRATORY
THERAPIST
DEPARTMENT: DPHT
PROGRAME: BS-RESPIRATORY THERAPY
SEMESTER: 7TH
SUBMITION DATE: 29-MAR-2025
OUTLINE:
ROLE OF RESPIRATORY THERAPIST IN:
- Hypoxic patients
- Long term oxygen therapy patients
- Comatosed patients
- Mechanically ventilated patients
“Role of Respiratory Therapist in Hypoxic, Long-Term Oxygen
Therapy Patients, Comatosed, and Mechanically Ventilated
Patients”
Introduction
Respiratory therapists (RTs) play a crucial role in managing patients with respiratory
insufficiency, including those experiencing hypoxia, requiring long-term oxygen therapy
(LTOT), in a comatose state, or dependent on mechanical ventilation. Their expertise in airway
management, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and rehabilitation ensures optimal
respiratory function, preventing complications and improving patient outcomes. This assignment
explores the comprehensive role of RTs in these critical conditions.
1. Role of Respiratory Therapist in Hypoxic Patients
1.1 Assessment and Diagnosis
- Conducting arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to determine oxygen levels.
- Using pulse oximetry for continuous oxygen saturation monitoring.
- Performing pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung capacity.
1.2 Oxygen Therapy Administration
- Selecting appropriate oxygen delivery devices.
- Titrating oxygen therapy based on patient condition and ABG results.
- Preventing oxygen toxicity and hypercapnia in COPD patients.
1.3 Airway Clearance Techniques
- Teaching and assisting with incentive spirometry.
- Performing chest physiotherapy and suctioning.
- Implementing non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for hypoxic respiratory failure.
1.4 Emergency Interventions
- Assisting in endotracheal intubation.
- Administering nebulized bronchodilators and mucolytics.
- Supporting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
2. Role of Respiratory Therapist in Long-Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT)
Patients
2.1 Patient Education and Compliance
- Educating patients on the importance of LTOT.
- Training on oxygen device maintenance and safety.
- Addressing psychological concerns.
2.2 Home Oxygen Therapy Management
- Assessing patient eligibility.
- Coordinating with home healthcare providers.
- Monitoring patients remotely.
2.3 Preventing Complications
- Regularly assessing for oxygen toxicity.
- Recommending pulmonary rehabilitation.
- Encouraging lifestyle modifications.
3. Role of Respiratory Therapist in Comatosed Patients
3.1 Airway Management
- Ensuring a patent airway through intubation.
- Performing regular suctioning.
- Implementing oral care to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia.
3.2 Ventilatory Support
- Managing mechanical ventilation settings.
- Monitoring ventilator parameters.
- Weaning strategies to assess extubation potential.
3.3 Prevention of Respiratory Complications
- Conducting passive chest physiotherapy.
- Implementing lung recruitment maneuvers.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
4. Role of Respiratory Therapist in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
4.1 Initiation and Management of Mechanical Ventilation
- Selecting appropriate ventilation modes.
- Adjusting settings based on ABG analysis.
- Monitoring peak pressures and compliance.
4.2 Weaning and Extubation
- Assessing readiness for weaning.
- Implementing non-invasive ventilation post-extubation.
- Educating patients on breathing exercises.
4.3 Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Prevention
- Following strict infection control protocols.
- Elevating the head of the bed.
- Using subglottic secretion drainage.
Conclusion
Respiratory therapists are essential healthcare professionals in managing hypoxic, LTOT-
dependent, comatose, and mechanically ventilated patients. Their expertise in respiratory care,
patient education, and advanced ventilatory management significantly enhances patient
outcomes, reduces complications, and improves the overall quality of life. As healthcare
advances, the role of RTs continues to expand, reinforcing their importance in critical and
chronic respiratory care.
References
1. Hess, D. R. (2020). Respiratory Care: Principles and Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
2. Pilbeam, S. P., & Cairo, J. M. (2019). Mechanical Ventilation: Physiological and Clinical
Applications. Elsevier.
3. Kacmarek, R. M., Stoller, J. K., & Heuer, A. J. (2016). Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory
Care. Elsevier.
4. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). (2023). Global Strategy for
the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of COPD. Retrieved from https://goldcopd.org
5. American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). (2022). Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Retrieved from https://www.aarc.org
6. MacIntyre, N. R., & Branson, R. D. (2018). Mechanical Ventilation. Saunders.
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