Topics

Diagnostics

A step-by-step method for reading an arterial blood gas: pH, PaCO2, HCO3, compensation and oxygenation.

Read FEV1, FVC, and their ratio; distinguish obstruction from suspected restriction; and calculate bronchodilator response.

Understand SpO2, check signal quality, and recognize why a reassuring saturation can miss ventilation problems or carbon monoxide exposure.

Read the normal capnogram, recognize common waveform changes, and understand why end-tidal CO2 is not interchangeable with PaCO2.

Separate flow from FiO2, understand what HFNC provides, and assess response without relying on saturation alone.

Compare oxygen masks, reservoir systems, Venturi devices, aerosol masks, and NIV interfaces, with checks for flow, fit, and venting.

Recognize Hamilton, Servo, Puritan Bennett, Dräger, and V60 systems, with a New Jersey example and settings that carry across brands.

Use a pressurized metered-dose inhaler and holding chamber, identify technique errors, and distinguish other inhaler devices.

Recognize dry-powder inhaler designs, load doses correctly, check inspiratory technique, and follow device-specific cleaning instructions.

Compare active and passive humidification, check heated-circuit setup, and recognize rainout, HME limitations, and incompatible combinations.

Set up small-volume nebulizers, distinguish jet from mesh systems, check effective delivery, and separate home care from hospital handling.

Compare PEP, OPEP, vest therapy, IPV, and cough-assist systems, and distinguish secretion mobilization from an effective cough.