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Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
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Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
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Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
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Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
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Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
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Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
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Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
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Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
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Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.
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Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
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Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.
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Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
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Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
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Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
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Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
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Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
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Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
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Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
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Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
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Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
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Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.