STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.Infection Control and Laboratory Studies

 a. Demonstrate proper aseptic technique during handwashing.

 b. Differentiate between appropriate universal precautions specific for various disease processes recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

 c. Interpret various lab values correctly to include the cause and clinical significance of abnormal values: RBC, H/H, WBC, coagulation studies.

 d. Differentiate between the following processing methods and how they kill microorganisms: steam autoclave, pasteurization, ethylene oxide, glutaraledhyde, quarternary ammonium compounds, gamma radiation, dry heat, and other chemicals.

 II. Patient Assessment

 a. Perform a complete chest physical exam to include normal and abnormal findings of the four basic components: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

 b. Perform a thorough patient interview to obtain patient history to include: chief complaint, history of present illness, and past medical history.

 c. Gather and organize patient data to thoroughly complete the medical record portion required by respiratory therapists.

 d. Demonstrate recognition of normal and abnormal breath sounds using appropriate medical terminology.

 III. Obtain, Select, Review, and Interpret Patient Data

 a. Demonstrate competence in performing non-invasive oximetry monitoring.

 b. Differentiate between different chest radiographic views and prominent structures found on the radiograph.

 c. Differentiate between sputum characteristics associated with: pneumonia, lung abscess, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma, and pulmonary edema.

 d. Demonstrate the procedure for obtaining a fresh, uncontaminated sputum sample.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.   Ojectives: Infection Control, Cleanliness and

 Laboratory Studies

 

 a. Define the terms commonly used in asepsis.

 b. Describe how to prevent common cross-contamination incidents.

 c. Explain why certain categories of patients are at increased risk to acquire infections.

 d. Give examples of microorganism transmission routes.

 e. Demonstrate proper hand-washing technique.

 f. Demonstrate how to gown and glove correctly (including eye protection, masks, and hair and shoe coverings).

 g. Describe the circumstances where the personal protection devices might be used.

 h. Describe universal precautions.

 i. Describe specific isolation settings (strict, contact, respiratory, enteric, drainage/secretion, blood/body fluid, and reverse).

 j. Give examples of pathogens that are commonly encountered by the RCP.

 k. Define the following terms:  sterilization, disinfection, antisepsis, germicide,

                   antibacterial, antimicrobial, asepsis, bacteriostatic.

 l. Discuss the following processing methods and how they kill

       microorganisms:  steam autoclave, pasteurization, ethylene oxide,

       glutaraldehyde, quarternary ammonium compounds, gamma radiation, dry

       heat, and other chemicals.

 m. Explain the purpose of a bacteriologic surveillance program.

 n. Explain how the data from a surveillance program is utilized.

 o. Identify common abbreviations that are found in the patient chart.

 p. Describe the function of, and the cause/clinical significance of, abnormal

 hematology test results (RBC, H/H, WBC, platelet count, coagulation findings).

 q. Describe the cause/clinical significance of anemia.

 r. Describe the cause/clinical significance of a “left shift” as regards a WBC

 differential.

 s. Describe the causes of:  neutrophilia, eosinophilia, lymphycytosis,

 lymphocytopenia, and monocytosis.

 t. Describe how T-helper and T-suppressor cells are affected by AIDS and

 AIDS-related complex.

 

 MODULE II

 I. Patient Assessment

 a. Describe the four classic vital signs, including normal/abnormal values.

 b. Describe how to and why it is important to obtain accurate HR, RR, B/P, and temperatures.

 c. Communication and cultural diversity in healthcare.

 d. Explain the principles of obtaining and recording an accurate patient history.

 e. Describe factors that can lead to effective communication with the patient.

 f. Explain techniques to structure patient interviews in order to obtain maximum information and cooperation.

 g. Give examples of the types of questions/statements that are effective in obtaining patient information.

 h. Describe alternative resources available to complete the patient history.

 i. Describe what is meant by “pulsus paradoxus.”

 j. Describe the four components of physical assessment.

 k. Describe abnormal findings that may be identified when performing a physical assessment.

 l. Explain what is meant by JVD, and how it is evaluated.

 m. Identify abnormal chest configurations that may be identified during inspection of the chest.

 n. Locate the thoracic cage landmarks, and the topographic position associated with internal lung structures.

 o. Define/describe normal and abnormal breathing patterns.

 p. Explain the two types of cyanosis.

 q. Identify the term tactile fremitus, and the causes of same.

 r. Describe possible causes of decreased thoracic expansion.

 s. Explain the term (and possible causes of) subcutaneous emphysema.

 t. Describe the functions of the four basis components of a stethoscope.

 u. Demonstrate the proper technique for auscultation of the lungs.

 v. Describe various breath sounds.

 w. Describe egophony, bronchophony, and their causes.

 x. Describe clinical signs that should be evaluated during examination of the extremities.

 y. List the general categories of information that comprise the complete health history.

 z. Discuss the charting responsibilities of the RCP.

 1. Demonstrate SOAP charting.

 2. Methods commonly used to make patient charges.

 3. Practice organizing a work load.

 4. Identify and describe the clinical significance of abnormal laboratory tests, including electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, lipase, glucose, albumin, immunoglobulins, triglycerides, cholesterol, and tumor markers.

 5. Demonstrate the proper use of a pulse oximeter, including troubleshooting equipment and interpretation of results.

 

 MODULE III

 Obtain, Select, Review, and Interpret Patient Data

 I.

 a. Define: normal flora, gram stain, culture,

 sensitivity, and Ziehl-Neelsen stain.

 b. Describe the various sputum characteristics.

 c. Describe sputum characteristics associated with various disease processes.

 d. Describe the clinical significance of findings in pleural fluid.

 e. Describe why histologic and cytologic examinations are performed.

 f. Describe in general terms how x-rays are produced.

 g. Recognize the major structure on a CXR.

 h. Basic Pulse Oximetry/Monitoring/Competency check off