Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach Campus
Respiratory Care Program
In the past the assessment of the breathing patterns of a critically ill ventilator patient was only accomplished with primitive mechanical devices and by visual observation. The introduction of computer technology into the practice of mechanical ventilation has added a precise dimension to the assessment process. Every aspect of mechanical ventilation can be graphically examined in real time and used as an additional diagnostic tool. Now the breathing characteristics of a critically ill ventilator patient can be diagnostically examined much like an ECG tracing of the hearts activity. This information if interpreted correctly can have a profound effect on the speed of recovery of a critically ill patient. Correct use of waveforms requires education and clinical experience. While this course cannot fill the need for clinical experience, it can help provide some of the educational needs of the respiratory care student. It may also served as a review for the experienced respiratory care practitioner, who would like to brush up on his or her skills .
Gary Cross
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