How do they match: Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.

Implement advanced life support techniques.
Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.

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Site updated April 30, 2024

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