How do they match: Respiratory Therapists

  • Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
  • Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
  • Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
  • 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.
  • Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.