📘 AskBes RT — Chapter 1: Overview of Respiratory Care
Based on Egan’s outline — simplified + interactive
The Big Picture (WHY)
Respiratory therapists help patients breathe, support oxygen delivery, and monitor vital signs. The goal of care is simple:
- Get oxygen in (O₂)
- Get carbon dioxide out (CO₂)
- Keep the patient safe and stable
💡 Think of RTs as the airway guardians of the healthcare team.
What Do RTs Do? — CARE
- Check airway & breathing
- Administer therapies (O₂, bronchodilators, aerosols)
- Response monitoring (SpO₂, ABGs, vital signs)
- Educate & document
Where & How RTs Work
- Settings: ICU, ER, wards, clinics, home care
- Team sport: RT + RN + MD + PT/OT + case managers
- Safety #1: Hand hygiene (most effective routine prevention)
- Communication: SBAR — Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
Professional & Ethical RT Practice
- Ethics: Autonomy (choice), Beneficence (do good), Nonmaleficence (do no harm), Justice (fairness)
- Documentation: Timely, accurate, objective
- Credentials: NBRC CRT/RRT • follow AARC guidelines • lifelong learning (CEUs)
📝 Test Yourself — Click to Answer
1) Primary goal of respiratory care is to:
2) Which historical event strongly influenced the birth of RT?
3) Respiratory therapists typically work in:
4) The most effective routine step to prevent transmission is:
5) SBAR stands for:
AskBes RT — Chapter 1: Practice Mode
Mixed recall • scenario • SATA — with instant feedback + rationales
1) Which historical event most strongly influenced the birth of respiratory care?
2) ER call: adult patient is drowsy with shallow respirations, SpO₂ 86% RA. What is the FIRST action?
3) SBAR stands for:
4) During handoff, “SpO₂ fell from 95% to 82% with ambulation.” Where does this belong in SBAR?
5) Preparing to suction a tracheostomy. Which actions are appropriate? (Select all that apply)
6) You have four patients. Who should you see FIRST?
7) Which are professional responsibilities of an RT? (Select all that apply)
8) The most effective routine step to prevent transmission is:
AskBes RT — Chapter 1: Overview of Respiratory Care
Essentials Pack: Objectives • 20 Flashcards • 10 Practice Questions
🎯 Main Objectives
- Define the primary goals of respiratory care.
- Apply the CARE mnemonic to RT roles.
- Identify common RT work settings (ICU, ER, ward, clinic, home care).
- Recognize infection control and patient safety priorities.
- Explain SBAR as a communication tool.
- Recall basic ethical principles in practice.
- Identify historical events that shaped the RT profession.
🃏 Flashcards (20)
📝 Practice Questions (10) — Instant Feedback
1) Which step prevents infection best?
2) SBAR stands for:
3) What historical event most influenced the RT profession?
4) Which is proper documentation?
5) What is the role of the NBRC?
6) ER: Patient SpO₂ 84% on room air, shallow respirations. First action?
7) During handoff: “SpO₂ fell from 95% to 82% with ambulation.” Which part of SBAR?
8) Which are RT responsibilities? (Select all that apply)
9) Which are examples of objective data? (Select all that apply)
10) RT receives neb order, but patient is unconscious with SpO₂ 82% RA. Best action?
Understanding Respiratory Care
Discover the essential stages of respiratory care, guiding you through its purpose, professional practices, and vital safety standards.
1
Step One: Assessing Patient Needs
Begin by evaluating respiratory conditions to tailor care plans that ensure effective treatment and support.
2
Step Two: Implementing Therapy
Apply appropriate respiratory interventions and therapies, focusing on patient comfort and improved breathing.
3
Step Three: Monitoring and Safety
Conduct continuous monitoring to ensure treatment efficacy while maintaining critical safety and hygiene standards.
Discover Key Respiratory Care Insights
This section describes the key features briefly.
Comprehensive Assessment
Detailed patient evaluation to tailor effective treatments.
Professional Practices
Adhering to standards that ensure patient safety and quality care.
Safety Protocols
Implementing critical measures to prevent respiratory complications.
Explore Comprehensive Respiratory Care Insights
This overview presents vital information to deepen your knowledge in respiratory care practices and patient safety.
Understanding Respiratory Care
Gain fundamental knowledge about respiratory health and treatment approaches.
Professional Practices
Discover the standards and protocols guiding respiratory therapists in clinical settings.
Safety and Compliance
Learn about critical safety measures and regulatory guidelines in respiratory care.
What is respiratory care?
Find clear, expert answers to key questions about respiratory care, designed to guide and support your understanding.
Why is respiratory care important?
It helps maintain healthy lung function and supports patients with breathing difficulties.
Who can become a respiratory therapist?
Professionals with specialized training in lung and airway management are qualified.
What safety standards are followed in respiratory care?
Strict protocols ensure patient safety and effective treatment delivery.
How does respiratory care improve quality of life?
By enhancing breathing efficiency, it promotes overall wellness and activity.