Responsible for providing respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies and abnormalities, under supervision of physician.
Principal Accountabilities: - Evaluates prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and checks patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.
- Renders aerosol medications and treatments to patients for inhalation, and positions patients to assist in breathing and prevent lung obstruction.
- Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications that may be needed, which will be compatible with physician's orders.
- Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators to support respiration and maintain patient's oxygen supply.
- Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.
- Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Performs chest physiotherapy on patient to remove mucus from their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
- Assists in the performance of diagnostic testing by performing pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case.
- Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
- Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.
- Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, and orders repairs when needed.
- Provides patient education and support for patients suffering from chronic lung disease.
- Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
- May care for premature infants with underdeveloped pulmonary systems, the elderly who have increased susceptibility to pulmonary and cardiac disease, and trauma patients.
- Other related duties as assigned.
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