Respiratory Therapists & Respite Care

Respiratory therapists diagnose and treat patients with cardiopulmonary problems under the direction of a physician. Often referred to as respite care, respiratory therapists in this setting perform an array of responsibilities in a patient's home.

Essential Function

• Respiratory therapists complete many diagnostic tests to determine how well the patient's lung is functioning, then relay the results to the physician to make a treatment decision. They interview patients on their lung function, complete chest physical exams, consult with physicians, analyze specimens, manage equipment and educate patients and families about the disease they suffer from. Home care therapists also are usually responsible for responding to urgent calls.

Diagnostic Tests

• Respiratory therapists test a patient's breathing capacity and determine the concentration of oxygen and other gases in a patient's blood through a sequence of tests.To evaluate a patient's lung capacity, for example, the patient breathes into an instrument that measures the flow of oxygen during inhalation and exhalation. The therapist compares the readings with the norm for the patient's age, height, weight and sex. They also draw a blood sample that is placed in a blood gas analyzer. A physician reviews all results to determine the treatment plan.

Equipment

• Respiratory therapists use an array of high-tech equipment to diagnose disease and conduct observations. Teaching patients and their families to use ventilators and other life support systems is a critical element of their job. Therapists set up and troubleshoot ventilator settings to ensure proper oxygen flow, carbon dioxide and blood pH levels.

Treatment

• Respiratory therapists use oxygen or oxygen mixtures, chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications to treat patients. A common ailment patients suffer from is too much mucus that restricts oxygen flow. A therapist alleviates the problem by performing chest physiotherapy, which requires them to position the patient, vibrate their rib cages and have the patient cough.

Training

• Respiratory therapists must hold an associate degree. All states except Hawaii and Alaska require therapists to carry a license, which is awarded to graduates of degree programs accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Therapists who have graduated from advanced programs and passed two examinations may qualify as a registered respiratory therapist.