Responsible for providing respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies and abnormalities, under supervision of physician.
Principal Accountabilities:
1. 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.
2. Renders aerosol medications and treatments to patients for inhalation, and positions patients to assist in breathing and prevent lung obstruction.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
7. 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.
8. Assists in the performance of diagnostic testing by performing pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case.
9. Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
10. Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.
11. 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.
12. Provides patient education and support for patients suffering from chronic lung disease.
13. Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
14. May care for premature infants with underdeveloped pulmonary systems, the elderly who have increased susceptibility to pulmonary and cardiac disease, and trauma patients.
15. Other related duties as assigned
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