Assessment | Respiratory Therapy Exam
Questions and Answers| Latest Update
List 4 critical life functions
Ventilation, Oxygenation, Circulation, Perfusion
What life function is first priority?
Ventilation
What assessments would determine how well a patient is ventilating?
-RR
-Vt
-Chest Movement
-Breath Sounds
-PaCo2
-EtCO2
How would the therapist determine if a patient has a problem with oxygenation?
-HR
-Color
-Sensorium
,-PaO2/SpO2
What information would help the therapist determine if a patient's circulation is
adequate?
-HR and Strength
-CO
What changes may indicate if a patient doesn't have adequate perfusion?
-HR
-BP
-Sensorium
-Temperature
-Urine Output
-Hemodynamics
Signs are
objective information - things you can see and measure
-color
-pulse
-edema
-vital signs
,symptoms are
subjective information - things patient tells you
-dyspnea
-pain level
-nausea
-muscle weakness
5 items that are important to review in a patients medical record
1. Allergies
2. Signs/Symptoms
3. History
4. Advanced directives
5. HPI
advanced directive
set of instructions documenting what Tx a patient wants if they were unable to
make medical decisions
, what are 4 types of advanced directives
1. living will - Tx patient wants if became terminally ill; doesn't appoint someone
else to make medical decisions
2. DNI order - do not intubate (can ventilate)
3. DNR order - do not resuscitate
4. durable power of attorney - health care proxy; only in affect when patient can't
make healthcare decisions
A properly written order for respiratory care should include what 4 factors?
1. type of treatment
2. frequency
3. medication/dosage
4. physician signature
The respiratory therapist has just finished administering an aerosol treatment with
albuterol to a child with asthma. What should be included in documentation of
the treatment?
date, time, reactions, etc.
respiratory notes
What is the normal value for urine output