Course Number and Title:
RCT 215 Cardiopulmonary Assessment
Prerequisites
RCT 120 and RCT 140
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course covers pulmonary function, exercise testing, and cardiovascular monitoring, with an emphasis on interpretation and clinical application. Topics include but are not limited to the systematic interpretation of normal and abnormal electrocardiograms (EKGs), interpretation of basic spirometry and body plethysmography, overview of various exercise testing, 12 lead electrocardiograms, interpretations of cardiac dysrhythmias, the use of cardiac pacemakers, and the differences between and the procedures of a cardioversion and defibrillation.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Describe cardiac anatomy and physiology. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1, 2)
- Explain electrophysiology and electrocardiography. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
- Define and discuss coronary artery disease (CAD). (CCC 1, 5, 6; PGC 1)
- Explain the development of dysrhythmia. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
- Differentiate dysrhythmia interpretations. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1, 2)
- Analyze normal and abnormal 12 lead electrocardiograms. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1,2)
- Describe the use of cardiac pacemakers. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1)
- Explain cardioversion/defibrillation and cardiac arrest. (CCC 1, 6; PGC 1, 2)
- Explain, administer, and interpret lung volume, flow procedures, and results. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 2)
- Describe, perform, and interpret diffusion procedures and results. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 2)
- Explain the induction of bronchial provocation, and interpret results. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1)
- Describe and interpret exercise testing procedures and results. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Describe cardiac anatomy and physiology.
- Label on a schematic drawing of the heart; the chambers, valves, and major vessels.
- Describe the gross anatomical structures of the heart.
- Describe functions of the structures of the conduction system.
- Name the major coronary arteries and indicate the surfaces of the heart they supply.
- Describe the events that comprise one cardiac cycle.
- Define cardiac output and list its determinants.
- Explain electrophysiology and electrocardiography.
- Identify PQRST on a normal EKG tracing, and state which parts of the conduction system are being activated to produce each wave form.
- Define automaticity and conductivity.
- Draw the deflections produced by a wave of depolarization moving toward, receding away from, and moving both toward and away from a positive electrode.
- Explain what the horizontal and vertical axis of the electrocardiogram are measuring and state the normal values for 1 mm block on each axis.
- Describe the factors to be considered for rhythm, rate, P waves, PR interval, and QRS complex while interpreting the strip.
- Analyze and correctly measure the five parameters of the systemic interpretation of the PQRST worksheet.
- Define and discuss coronary artery disease (CAD).
- List three major risk factors for CAD.
- Define and explain angina
- State two signs and symptoms of both classical and atypical myocardial infarction (MI).
- Describe how patient history, physical examination, labs, and EKGs are used to diagnose acute MI.
- Describe and explain the pathologic events and their major treatment intervention for MI.
- List the common complications that may follow acute MI.
- Explain the development of dysrhythmia.
- List dysrhythmia produced by suppression and irritability.
- Describe and explain the effects of suppression and irritability on CO.
- State the typical electrocardiogram appearance of early beats, late beats, slow rhythms, fast rhythms, blocked conduction, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular fibrillation.
- Identify the typical configuration of beats that arise in the sinoatrial (SA) node, atria, atrioventricular (AV) junction, and ventricles.
- Differentiate dysrhythmia interpretations.
- List criteria for normal sinus rhythm.
- List criteria for selected common suppression dysrhythmia.
- List criteria for selected common irritability dysrhythmia.
- Identify the selected rhythms on a monitor and rhythm strip.
- Describe initial management of the selected rhythms.
- Analyze normal and abnormal 12 lead electrocardiograms.
- Demonstrate and explain the anatomical positions of each of the six precordial leads and the four limb leads.
- List the criteria for QRS complex, ST segment, septal Q waves, and T wave deflection for each of the leads on a normal 12 lead electrocardiogram.
- Demonstrate the technique and the procedure for obtaining a standard 12 lead electrocardiogram.
- List the leads that are used to locate abnormalities on the anterior, inferior, and lateral surfaces of the heart.
- State the changes in QRS complex, ST segment, and T wave when there is injury, ischemia, and/or infarction present.
- Describe the use of cardiac pacemakers.
- State three indications for the insertion of pacemakers.
- Define fire, capture, and sense as they apply to pacemaker function.
- Explain cardioversion/defibrillation and cardiac arrest.
- Define and explain cardioversion and defibrillation.
- State one indication for cardioversion and one indication for defibrillation.
- Describe staff and patient safety in cardioversion and defibrillation.
- Explain, administer, and interpret lung volume, flow procedures, and results.
- Explain the indications for performing lung volume and flow measurements.
- Provide a rational for a good testing regimen.
- Label a normal spirogram tracing and define the different volumes and capacities.
- Identify, describe, and state limitations of the following equipment: water sealed and dry spirometers, Wright respirometer, plethysmograph, pneumotachometer, and Wright peak flow meter.
- Perform spirometry on a volunteer.
- Describe, identify, and calculate the following spirometry parameters: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 25% and 75% (FEF 25-75), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV).
- Explain the purpose and use of before and after bronchodilator tests.
- Explain the function of a super syringe.
- Describe a closed and open circuit for determining functional residual capacity (FRC).
- Describe and identify the following lung volumes and capacities: inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), residual volume (RV), functional residual capacity (FRC), inspiratory capacity (IC), vital capacity (VC), and total lung capacity (TLC).
- Explain and interpret the operation and measurements performed by the body plethysmograph, including all lung volumes and pulmonary mechanics.
- Explain when a pulmonary function test should be a recommended diagnostic test.
- Describe, perform, and interpret diffusion procedures and results.
- Explain the indications for measuring diffusion testing.
- Describe two methods used to determine carbon monoxide diffusing capacity and give indications for diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO).
- Interpret pulmonary function test results and relate them to diffusion, gas distribution, restrictive, obstructive, or mixed ventilator defects.
- Explain the induction of bronchial provocation and interpret results.
- Describe the indications for performing bronchial provocation.
- Describe and interpret tests involving bronchial provocation.
- Describe and interpret exercise testing procedures and results.
- State indications for exercise testing.
- Describe the types of exercise used for testing.
- Define the term steady state as it relates to exercise testing.
- Explain how the intensity and duration of tests may be varied for patients.
- Outline and describe observations that can be made during the following exercise testing: heart rate, ventilation, oxygen (O2) intake and carbon dioxide (CO2) output, blood pressure, fractional expired CO2 (FeCO2), blood gas, lactate production, right heart pressures, and electrocardiagram (EKG).
- Discuss when a cardiopulmonary stress test should be a recommended diagnostic test.
- Describe when respiratory muscle strength testing should be recommended.
- Explain when a 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) should be a recommended diagnostic test.
- Evaluate the procedural results for the following cardiopulmonary testing: 6 MWT, O2 Titration with Exercise, Cardiopulmonary Stress Testing, and Respiratory Muscle Strength Testing.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exams (4 to 6 equally weighted) | 60% |
Cumulative Final Exam | 15% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain a various number of formative assessments including but not limited to: - Homework Assignments
- Projects
- Class participation activities
- Quizzes (4 to 6 equally weighted)
| 25% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
AHTAASRCT
- Apply theoretical information that leads to an appropriate action in the application or delivery of respiratory care procedures.
- Perform technical skills in the implementation of respiratory care procedures within a plan of care.
- Practice behaviors that are consistent with professional and employer expectations/requirements of their employees.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.