RCT 130 Introduction to Respiratory Care

This course introduces the delivery of respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on principles of gas flow, pressure regulation, production, and storage. Theory, equipment, and procedures of oxygen therapy are also addressed. Integration and application of these procedures are essential to delivery of respiratory care.

Credits

7

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

RCT 130 Introduction to Respiratory Care

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Effective Date

2022-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

7 credit(s)

6 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces the delivery of respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on principles of gas flow, pressure regulation, production, and storage. Theory, equipment, and procedures of oxygen therapy are also addressed. Integration and application of these procedures are essential to delivery of respiratory care.

Additional Materials

Instructor handouts All program and policy manuals/handbooks

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Describe the evolution of the atmosphere, and discuss the historical development of modern day respiratory care. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  2. Summarize and explain the commercial production, storage, transportation, and regulation of medical gases. (CCC 6; PGC 1)
  3. Summarize and interpret the properties of gases and principles of pressure measurement. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  4. Explain ideal gas laws. (CCC 6; PGC 1)
  5. Discuss the importance of and identify selected medical gas cylinder safety systems. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  6. Define the basic principles of pressure regulation and pressure regulating devices used in the delivery of medical gases. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  7. Explain, assemble, and differentiate the function of flow regulation and flow regulating devices used in the delivery of medical gases. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  8. Discuss the concepts and describe the principles of humidification of medical gases. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  9. Summarize and explain the production, delivery, and generation of aerosols. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  10. Identify and describe principles of operation of selected types of oxygen mixing devices. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  11. Identify and explain the principles of operation of selected oxygen analyzers. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  12. Explain the concepts, principles, and uses of selected decontamination techniques. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
  13. Explain and demonstrate the principles, techniques, and procedures used for the administration of oxygen therapy. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC 1)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Describe the evolution of the atmosphere, and discuss the historical development of modern day respiratory care.
    1. Identify the role of key individuals in the historical evolution of respiratory care, discovery of oxygen, and the clinical use of oxygen.
    2. Discuss the role played by professional organizations in the development of respiratory care.
    3. State the current definition for respiratory care.
    4. Describe the evolution of our present day atmosphere, and list the percent composition of its four major gaseous constituents.
    5. Define and briefly explain the importance of the following terms and/or processes:
      1. Photosynthesis
      2. Aerobic metabolism
      3. Anaerobic metabolism
      4. Hypoxemia
  2. Summarize and explain the commercial production, storage, transportation, and regulation of medical gases.
    1. List and describe methods available for the commercial production of selected medical gases.
    2. List, describe, and explain the importance of safe and acceptable methods for the storage, transportation, and use of medical gases.
    3. Identify the agencies that recommend and/or regulate the production, storage, transportation, and use of medical gases.
  3. Summarize and interpret the properties of gases and principles of pressure measurement.
    1. Describe the chemical and physical properties of gases used for medical purposes.
    2. Explain the principles of gas pressure measurement and measuring devices.
  4. Explain ideal gas laws.
    1. State, explain, and solve simple problems using gas laws and related principles.
    2. Describe the relationship between gas laws and equipment function, pulmonary physiology, and pulmonary pathophysiology.
  5. Discuss the importance of and identify selected medical gas cylinder safety systems.
    1. Discuss the rationale for and importance of safety systems used with medical gas cylinders.
    2. Discuss the type(s) of safety system(s) employed when presented with a piece of respiratory care equipment.
  6. Define the basic principles of pressure regulation and pressure regulating devices used in the delivery of medical gases.
    1. Explain the importance of pressure regulation in the administration of medical gases.
    2. Differentiate among pressure regulating devices used in the delivery of medical gases.
  7. Explain, assemble, and differentiate the function of flow regulation and flow regulating devices used in the delivery of medical gases.
    1. Explain the importance of flow regulation in the delivery of medical gases.
    2. Differentiate among flow regulating devices employed to deliver medical gases.
    3. Assemble flow regulating devices with the appropriate medical gas delivery systems.
  8. Discuss the concepts and describe the principles of humidification of medical gases.
    1. Explain the theoretical concepts and related principles pertaining to humidification of medical gases.
    2. Describe the functional characteristics and clinical usefulness of humidification devices.
  9. Summarize and explain the production, delivery, and generation of aerosols.
    1. Explain the theoretical concepts and related principles pertaining to the production and delivery of aerosols.
    2. Describe the functional characteristics and clinical usefulness of aerosol generating devices.
  10. Identify and describe principles of operation of selected types of oxygen mixing devices.
    1. List four (4) basic types of oxygen mixing devices, and explain the principles upon which they operate.
    2. Given an oxygen mixing device, describe its principle of operation.
  11. Identify and explain the principles of operation of selected oxygen analyzers.
    1. List five (5) basic types of oxygen analyzers, and explain the principles upon which they operate.
    2. Given an oxygen analyzer, explain its principle of operation as well as advantages and disadvantages to its use clinically.
  12. Explain the concepts, principles, and uses of selected decontamination techniques.
    1. Explain the theoretical concepts and principles relating to decontamination of respiratory therapy equipment.
    2. Explain acceptable decontamination techniques that may be used to process respiratory care equipment.
  13. Explain and demonstrate the principles, techniques, and procedures used for the administration of oxygen therapy.
    1. Describe the theoretical concepts involved in respiration.
    2. List and explain the goals, hazards, and effectiveness of oxygen therapy.
    3. List and describe the capabilities, limitations, and clinical usefulness of oxygen delivery devices.
    4. List and describe the evaluation tools and techniques relating to the administration and evaluation of oxygen therapy.
    5. Explain the essential information required to address the goals, hazards, and effectiveness of oxygen therapy.
    6. Given a clinical scenario involving oxygen therapy, demonstrate the ability to:
      1. Gather appropriate information.
      2. Employ pertinent assessment modalities.
      3. Identify goals, hazards, and effectiveness of therapy.
      4. Select equipment for optimal delivery of patient care.
      5. Demonstrate effective communication skills and properly coach patients.
      6. Modify care in response to changing patient conditions.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Unit Exams (5) (equally weighted)

50%

Formative: Competency Check Off/Quizzes (equally weighted)

15%

Summative: Professionalism

5%

Summative: Project / Presentation

15%

Summative: Cumulative Final

15%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

AHTAASRCT

  1. Apply theoretical information that leads to an appropriate action in the application or delivery of respiratory care procedures.
  2. Perform technical skills in the implementation of respiratory care procedures within a plan of care.
  3. Practice behaviors that are consistent with professional and employer expectations/requirements of their employees.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.