10515174Respiratory/Cardiac Physiology
Course Information
Description
Provides the student with an indepth knowledge of the structure and function of the respiratory and circulatory systems necessary to function as a competent Respiratory Therapist. Emphasis is placed on promotion of evidence-based practice using established clinical practice guidelines and published research for its relevance to patient care.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze how components of the pulmonary system function in the body
    Assessment Strategies
    by developing an analysis (format may be written, oral, graphic, or three-dimensional model)
    by answering questions about the concepts that support this competency (format may be oral, written, or graphic)
    Criteria
    analysis addresses major gross and microscopic anatomical components of the respiratory system
    analysis includes respiratory defense mechanisms and immune response
    analysis identifies the major structural components of the respiratory system
    analysis illustrates the relationships among the components of the respiratory system
    analysis summarizes the functions of the respiratory system and its components
    you use appropriate scientific equipment, methods, and safety precautions

  2. Analyze control of breathing
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating an oral, written or graphic representation of control of breathing.
    by answering questions about the concepts that support this competency (format may be oral, written, or graphic)
    Criteria
    you describe the organization of the central controller
    you describe the normal role of peripheral and central chemo receptors
    you relate the reflexes affecting breathing to the respiratory pattern
    you describe the neurologic adaptations in specific situations (i.e. exercise, metabolic acidosis, hypoxemia, CO2 retention)

  3. Apply principles of gas transport
    Assessment Strategies
    by collecting, organizing and reporting data related to gas transport
    by answering questions about the concepts that support this competency (format may be oral, written, or graphic)
    Criteria
    application includes principles of gas transport
    you generate and label a oxy-hemoglobin dissociation curve and list factors that shift the curve
    application includes how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood
    application includes factors affecting gas transport
    you calculate oxygen content of arterial and venous blood
    application includes identification of abnormalities
    application includes a description of the Bohr and Haldane effects

  4. Apply principles of ventilatory mechanics
    Assessment Strategies
    by preparing a written response to a case study
    by answering questions about the concepts that support this competency (format may be oral, written, or graphic)
    Criteria
    application includes pressure/volume relationships of the lung and thorax
    application includes pulmonary mechanics (e.g. volumes, pressures, and flows)
    application includes respiratory monitoring (e.g. rate, tidal volume, minute volume, I:E)
    application includes ventilation/perfusion ratios and respiratory quotient pulmonary compliance, elastance, airways resistance, work of breathing
    application includes lung volumes and capacities with obstructive and restrictive patterns

  5. Analyze how components of the cardiovascular system function in the body
    Assessment Strategies
    by developing an analysis (format may be written, oral, graphic, or three-dimensional model)
    by answering questions about the concepts that support this competency (format may be oral, written, or graphic)
    Criteria
    analysis addresses major gross and microscopic anatomical components of the cardiovascular system
    analysis identifies the major structural components of the cardiovascular system
    analysis illustrates the relationships among the cardiovascular system
    analysis summarizes the functions of the cardiovascular system

  6. Interpret blood gas data
    Assessment Strategies
    by analyzing data (format may be oral or written)
    by answering questions about the concepts that support this competency (format may be oral, written, or graphic)
    Criteria
    you interpret the oxygenation status
    you interpret the ventilation status
    you interpret the acid-base balance
    you identify primary and compensatory mechanisms
    you differentiate between acute and chronic acid-base disturbances
    you differentiate arterial and venous results

  7. Identify normal hemodynamic values of the cardiopulmonary system
    Assessment Strategies
    by preparing a written response to a case study
    by answering questions about the concepts that support this competency (format may be oral, written, or graphic)
    Criteria
    identification includes cardiac output
    identification includes stroke volume
    identification includes SVR, PVR, CVP, PCWP, and PAP
    identification includes factors that affect blood pressure

  8. Identify normal fluid and electrolyte balance values
    Assessment Strategies
    by preparing a written response to a case study
    by answering questions about the concepts that support this competency (format may be oral, written, or graphic)
    Criteria
    identification includes the effects of imbalances in water, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate
    identification includes the major fluid compartments of the body
    identification includes how the kidney and lung regulate pH
    identification includes differentiation between cations and anions
    identification includes calculation of the anion gap
    identification includes intakes and outputs
    identification includes relating concepts to cardiopulmonary status

  9. Recognize basic single lead rhythm strips
    Assessment Strategies
    by preparing a written or oral response to a case study
    answering questions related to the learning objectives
    Criteria
    you identify components of an ECG
    you analyze rate and rhythm
    you recognize major dysrhymthmias (i.e. asystole, bradycardia, tachycardia, PVC's, VT/VF)