Respiratory therapists
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists (pronunciation: /rɪˈspɪrətɔːri θɛrəpɪsts/), also known as respiratory care practitioners, are specialized healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.
Etymology
The term "respiratory therapist" is derived from the Latin word "respirare" which means "to breathe", and the Greek word "therapeia" which means "healing".
Role and Responsibilities
Respiratory therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care services. They are trained to evaluate, treat, and care for patients who have difficulty breathing or those who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.
Their responsibilities include:
- Assessing and monitoring patients' respiratory conditions
- Administering treatments and therapies such as oxygen therapy and ventilation therapy
- Educating patients and their families about respiratory conditions and their management
- Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans
Education and Certification
To become a respiratory therapist, one must complete a degree program in respiratory therapy or a related field. After graduation, they must pass a national certification exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Some respiratory therapists choose to pursue further specialization and become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).
Related Terms
- Pulmonology: The branch of medicine that deals with the respiratory system.
- Inhalation therapy: A treatment that delivers medication directly to the lungs.
- Mechanical ventilation: A method of assisting or replacing natural breathing in patients who cannot breathe on their own.
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