RET 1026C - Fundamentals of Respiratory Care I

4 hours Lecture, 4 credit(s)

Lower-Division College Credit

Prerequisite(s): BSC 2085C, ENC 1101, and MAC 1105

Course Description:
This course discusses the fundamental concepts of basic respiratory care techniques and the use of associated equipment. The curriculum discusses medical gas therapy, aerosol, humidity, and supplemental oxygen therapy. Hyperinflation techniques and airway clearance procedures are discussed. A foundation in respiratory pharmacology is also developed.

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255 PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101 PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Outcomes

Polk State College is a quality-driven educational institution, providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce development programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff who are committed to student learning and achievement through the consistent practice of collaboration and focus on excellence. In line with this purpose, Polk State College’s AS programs develop competence in career areas. A primary focus of this course is the development of competencies related to the following program learning outcome(s):

To provide the student with a sound basis in the scientific principles which form the foundation of respiratory care practice.
To develop within the student a clear idea of his/her role, responsibilities, ethics and professional conduct to the patient, the physician and other members of the health care team.
To acquaint the student with the equipment, medical gases, and medications which are utilized by the respiratory care profession.
To promote and aid students in developing good study habits which will be a resource for continued personal and professional growth.

Course Objectives:

Identify, discuss and demonstrate the use and rationale of compressed and liquid gases, including administration devices, to 78% proficiency by written exam and 100% in the laboratory
Identify, discuss and demonstrate the use and rationale of humidity and aerosol therapy, including administration devices, to 78% proficiency by written examination and 100% in the laboratory.
Identify, discuss and demonstrate the use and rationale of positive pressure, treatments, including administration devices, to 78% proficiency by written examination and 100% in the laboratory.
Identify, discuss and demonstrate the use of medications used in respiratory therapy for the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases to a 78% proficiency on the written examination and 100% proficiency on the practicum.
Identify, discuss, and demonstrate adjunctive breathing therapy procedures to 78% proficiency on the written examination and 100% proficiency in the laboratory.
Discuss and demonstrate the proper techniques of percussion and drainage of the lungs to 78% proficiency on the written examination and 100% proficiency on the practicum.

Course Content:

The foundation for the basic respiratory care skills is formed. Skill(s) check-offs of the equipment and procedures of this foundation are demonstrated, discussed, practiced and performed.

I.          Gas Therapy
            A.        Atmospheric Composition
            B.        Physiological rationale for oxygen therapy
            C.        Properties and Characteristics of oxygen
            D.       Oxygen supply systems
            E.        Oxygen Regulation Equipment
            F.         Oxygen Delivery Equipment-Low flow and High Flow
            G.        Oxygen Analyzers
            H.        Carbon Dioxide – Oxygen therapy
            I.         Helium-Oxygen therapy

II.         Aerosol and Humidity Therapy
            A.         Rationale for humidity therapy
            B.         Humidity producing devices
            C.         Rationale for Aerosol Therapy
            D.         Special precautions and Hazards
            E.         Factors that affect efficiency of Aerosol Therapy
            F.         Importance of particle size
            G.         Factors influencing particle size
            H.         Devices for producing Aerosol particles

III.       Pharmacology
            A.         Introduction
            B.         Drug nomenclature
            C.         Drug math
            D.         Drug administration
            E.         Aerosolized Drugs

IV.        Hyperinflation and Aerosol Therapy
            A.         Rationale and purpose
            B.         Indications and Contraindications
            C.         Cautions and hazards
            D.         Equipment
            E.         Administration of Hyperinflation and Aerosol Therapy

V.         Hyperinflation Therapy- Adjunctive Breathing Techniques
            A.         Rationale and Purpose
            B.         Indications and Contraindications
            C.         Cautions and Hazards
            D.         Equipment and Procedures
            E.         Breathing techniques
            F.         Coughing Techniques
            G.         Therapy Administration
            H.         Charting and monitoring progress

VI.        Pulmonary Drainage and Clearance Procedures
            A.         Rationale and Purpose
            B.         Indications and Contraindications
            C.         Cautions and Hazards
            D.         Lungs, Lobes and Segments
            E.         Postural Drainage
            F.         Percussion
            G.         Vibration
            H.         PEP therapy
            I.          Inspiratory resistive training
            J.          Flutter Valve therapy (mucous clearance devices)

Textbook Requirements

The Gordon Rule

This is not a Gordon Rule course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the campus Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) and library, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote students’ academic success. The TLCC provides tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. Polk State College Library and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the Polk State College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

Students may officially withdraw from course(s) during any given term, provided they follow the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop/Add Period, a student may officially withdraw without academic penalty from any credit course, provided he or she has submitted the appropriate forms to the Student Services Office no later than the published deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding withdrawing from courses that vary from this policy. Please see the student handbook for that program for more information. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the three attempts. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy. Please see the student handbook for that program for more information. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating/plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. Students should also refer to the course syllabus for more specific information.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

All individuals who employ the information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State College Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access, equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to applicants for admission to the College. Polk State College is committed to the equitable treatment of all students in a learning environment free of discrimination and harassment. Polk State College’s Equity Officer ensures compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment. Students who believe they have been a victim of discrimination or sexual harassment should contact the Polk State College Equity Officer, Ms. Valparisa Baker, at 863-292-3602 or vbaker@polk.edu.

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Student Services Office on either campus and speak with the Coordinator of Academic Advising.

Evaluative Criteria:

Multiple choice tests, take-home and scheduled in class, quizzes, equipment/procedure check-offs, individual projects and assignments, group activities and professional behaviors.

Assignments and/or projects that may be assigned are to be submitted on the designated date, during the class period. No assignments or projects will be accepted after the class has adjourned, unless arrangements have been made between the student and the instructor. Students failing to submit assignments on time and not following procedures will get a zero (0).

Lecture = 40%
                        4 unit exams
                        1 final exam
                        Quizzes
                        Group activities /projects as assigned
                        Individual homework as assigned
Lab = 50%
                        2 Lab exams
                        Group activities/projects as assigned
                        Individual homework as assigned
Professional Behavior = 10%
                        Fall Fest (all students will be involved in this activity)
                        Social Activities
Total of 100%

Grading Scale:
92.5 – 100                    A
88.5 – 92.4                   B+
83.5 – 88.4                   B
80.5 – 83.4                   C+
77.5 -80.4                     C
70.5- 77.4                     D+
65.5-70.4                      D
Below 65.4                   F

Attendance:

Regular attendance in the classroom and laboratory sessions is mandatory. When three (3) unexcused absences are accumulated, the student may be issued a written warning. If an additional absence occurs, the student may be dropped from the program in accordance with the attendance policies outlined in the general college catalog. In no case will a student receive a passing grade for a course if more than twenty-percent (20%) of scheduled lectures is missed.

Work Missed:

No Make-ups will be given for missed exams, quizzes, assignments, or projects unless the condition falls under extended medical, military leave, or family emergency. If any of these work items are missed, the grade assigned will be a zero (0). Students who need to be on extended medical, military leave and/or family emergency must submit copies of official documents to the program manager.

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