As a respiratory therapist (RT) we are responsible for taking care of patients that suffer from complications related to the respiratory (breathing) system.
RT’s treat patient’s of all ages, from infant to elderly.
We treat premature infants whose lungs are not properly developed, older people who have diseased lungs, heart attack patients, stroke patients, heart failure patients, asthmatics, surgical patients, neurology patients………. The list never really stops!
As an RT we conduct a variety of test that determines the complications our patients are having. We analyze blood samples of patients that measures the ph and the concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
Respiratory therapist care for 99% of all post-operative patients. We test lung capacity and give patients instruments to aid in deep breathing. We do tests that record volume levels of oxygen inhaled and exhaled by the patients. This test helps to understand the problems of patients with lung deficiency.
We manage ventilators for patients that are unable to breathe on their own. We manage Bipap/Cpap machines to help patients that still have a respiratory drive but need help to keep them away from a ventilator. Making changes as seen fit to the patients needs. Changes usually based off of blood gases drawn from the patient.
Rt’s remove mucous from the lungs of patients….YUCK!
Respiratory responds to every CODE (cardiac or respiratory failure) in the hospital.
We do CPR and intubate patients when needed.
We comfort patients and families on a daily basis, and I think that this is one of the most important parts of the job.
So, Who wants to be an RT? I love it!
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