What is a Respiratory Therapist? Respiratory therapy is best described as the assessment and treatment of patients with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Respiratory therapy may include treating diseases, infections, or viruses of the cardiopulmonary system, such as lung cancer, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and pneumonia. RTs may also provide life-saving care to…
In November 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring the third week of each October as National Respiratory Care Week. Since the proclamation, Respiratory Care Week is now a yearly event that is designed to promote and bring awareness to the field of Respiratory Care. In 2020, it’s celebrated October 25-31, 2020. Respiratory Care Week…
The current COVID-19 pandemic has presented unusual and extraordinary challenges to our health care system. As this virus continues to spread and hospitals reach capacity, we will see an increased need for home treatment for a number of health issues, including those directly and/or indirectly related to COVID-19. As hospitals discharges become more prevalent in…
At no greater time in our history has the role of the respiratory therapists been more significant! And yet, according to Terry Racciato, RN, PHN, as published in the May-June 2020 issue of the Remington Report, “In the acute care hospital, the RT is a well-respected team leader in respiratory care. Yet as soon as…
“Youth use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe. If cigarette smoking continues at the current rate among youth in this country, 5.6 million of today’s Americans younger than 18 will die early from a smoking-related illness. That’s about 1 of every 13 Americans aged 17 years or younger who are alive today.” – Center…
We are all aware of the impact COVID-19 is having on our world today. As a world society, we have a more complete understanding of infection control practices. As health care practitioners, we must continually be diligent and protect both our patients as well as ourselves. Infection control has always been standard practice and primary…
CEU’s for the Respiratory Therapist COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping…
Glycopyrrolate inhalation powder (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist) is administered at 15.6 µg twice daily for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD. Studies indicate that inhalation of the powder may improve lung function significantly in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) regardless of baseline smoking status.[i] COPD…
The Difference Between the Flu and the Common Cold Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, often resulting in mild to severe illness. Those more serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or even death. Most people who get sick with flu will have mild illness. They usually do…
Continuing Education for Sleep Technologists and Respiratory Therapists – Is it Necessary? In health care, many of us view continuing education as a pathway to national and state credentialing as well as licensure. And this is a valid reason to pursue education beyond the academic setting. BUT – this is not the only reason to…