This course is designed for Respiratory Care students. Topics in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology related to respiratory therapy are treated. Mathematical areas include ratios and proportions, solving simple equations, graphing and basic statistics. In the areas of physics and chemistry, the students consider the metric system, atomic structure, bonding and chemical reactions, the states of matter, and surface tension.
Emphasis is placed on bacteria commonly involved with the respiratory system.
This course first presents an introduction to the field of pharmacology and its basic concepts, and then focuses attention on those medications of particular relevance to the management of cardio-respiratory disease. In addition, the pharmacology of drugs used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is discussed. Some emphasis is placed on the basic mathematics of pharmacology and dosage control. In addition, the dynamics and clinical implications of oxygen transport within the body are stressed. This course also provides the student with the information required to initiate, monitor and maintain continuous mechanical ventilation.