Course Description:
Airway, breathing, and circulation are second nature, but sometimes we have to be reminded of the importance, and the order, of the ABCs. This course will focus on the airway and breathing components. Most of the discussion will be on initiating, managing, and weaning mechanical ventilation, but we’ll also review the various types of airways and the indications for each one.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this self-learning packet the reader should be able to:

• Define mechanical ventilation.
• Identify three clinical situations in which mechanical ventilation may be used.
• Describe the role of the respiratory therapist in the management of mechanically ventilated patients.
• List six types of artificial airways and the indications for each one.
• Describe the nurse’s responsibilities before, during, and after intubation.
• Identify three alternative means of communication for patients with artificial airways.
• Describe three different ventilator settings.

• Describe three different ventilator modes.
• List three potential causes for a high-pressure alarm.
• List two nursing interventions for a high respiratory rate alarm.
• List three types of non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
• Describe proper nursing care of an endotracheal tube.
• Describe proper nursing care of a tracheostomy tube.
• Describe the correct procedure for sterile suctioning.
• Identify two indications for sedating and pharmacologically paralyzing a mechanically ventilated patient.
• Define train-of-four and describe the correct procedure for testing.
• Identify four parameters that must be monitored while patients are mechanically ventilated.
• Identify five nursing interventions for a patient who is accidentally extubated.
• Define ventilator weaning.
• Compare and contrast two different weaning methods.
• Identify three criteria that indicate when the patient is ready to be extubated.
• Describe proper post-extubation nursing care.

Quizzes: N/A
Final Exam: 20 questions – 70% passing

Course Length:  8 hours