Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapy

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis- The Respiratory Therapists' Role

2017-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Guiding Patients Through Decisions in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): The Respiratory Therapists' Role- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare, progressive lung disease that greatly impacts patients' quailty of life and diminishes life expectancy. New therapies are available that slow function decline. These therapies are used in combination with oxygen supplementation, pulmonary rehabilitation, symptomatic treatment, and supportive care. This program will discuss the prevalence, signs and symptoms, and diagnostic criteria for IPF as well as compare and contrast available therapies and formulate strategies for comprehensive management of symptoms. Outline the prevalence, signs and symptoms, and diagnostic criteria for IPF. Compare and contrast available therapies for IPF. Formulate strategies for comprehensive management of symptoms. Effectively counsel IPF patients on available therapies and supportive care. Identify patients with IPF who may benefit from intensification of therapy.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Expires 12/31/17

This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Waste Anesthesia Gases- Risks and Prevention Strategies

2016-12-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

Waste Anesthesia Gases in the Healthcare Environment: Risks and Prevention Strategies- Describe the health consequences from chronic low dose exposure to waste anesthetic gases. List the availability of scavenging to minimize exposures to waste anesthetic gases. Identify government agencies to contact and are responsible for establishing safe exposure limits to waste anesthetic gases.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Zika Virus: The Pandemic Threat

2016-12-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Zika: The Pandemic Threat- Zika, a mosquitoborne viral infection, is the most recent of four arboviruses (arthropodborne viral diseases) that have spread to the Western Hemisphere in the last 20 years. It follows the dengue virus, which became re-established in the 1990s after the failure of mosquito eradication programs; the West Nile virus that emerged in 1999; and chikungunya in 2013. Zika virus has been identified as a cause of congenital microcephaly, a potentially devastating birth defect in which babies are born with small heads and underdeveloped brains. The virus has also been linked to an increase in Guillain-Barrré syndrome, myelitis, and meningoencephalitis. This CE program will inform and heighten awareness of nurses, advanced practice nurses, physicians, lab professionals, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers about the emergence of Zika virus both in the U.S. and internationally. Identify the signs and symptoms of Zika virus infection. Discuss the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for pregnant women and testing of infants with possible congenital infection with Zika virus. List the prevention measures for mosquitoborne illness. Describe how the interprofessional team can collaborate to promote improved outcomes and prevent Zika virus infection.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Free until 2/4/17

Gannet Education &

Rapid Response Teams- Consensus and Controversy

2016-11-10T10:04:00.005-08:00

In-Hospital Resuscitation:Early Intervention and Rescue- Rapid Response Systems:Consensus and Controversy- Of the more than 300,000 cardiac arrests that occur annually in the United States, survival rates are typically less than 10% for out-of-hospital events and less than 20% for in-hospital events. Additionally, studies have shown that survival falls by 10-15% for each minute of cardiac arrest without CPR delivery. The chain of survival, first conceptualized for out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest, applies to in-hospital arrest as well. Successful resuscitation requires early recognition of cardiopulmonary arrest, early activation of trained responders, early CPR, early defibrillation when indicated, and early advanced life support. Hospitals create through rapid response teams (RRT) a coordinated response to treating patients with a cardiopulmonary emergency.

1.5 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Saxe Healthcare

Clostridium Difficile- Complications and Prevention

2016-09-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

The New Clostridium Difficile: Pathogenicity, Complications, and Prevention- Identify conditions that make C diff (CDI) a successful pathogen. List complications associated with infections (CDI). Discuss reservoirs for nosocomial transmission. Describe best practices for transmission prevention.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Acheiving Qulaity of Life on a Mechanical Ventilator

2016-08-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Achieving Quality of Life on a Mechanical Ventilator- With recent changes in healthcare, patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation are being discharged to their homes sooner than in past years.1 A patient's quality of life may change a little or in many cases immensely. Patients must learn how to adapt to their home environment, as well as their health condition. One useful tool for assessing and helping improve patient quality of life is known as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It is a multi-dimensional measure that includes the quality of life domains of financial well-being, living environment, and safety, as well as domains related to physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning. Course highlights: Effects of HRQoL on patients on Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV). Treatment goals to improve quality of life (QOL). The unique challenges facing the HMV patient. Considerations for assessing invasive vs. noninvasive ventilation in terms of QOL measures. Advantages of portable vs. non-portable ventilation devices for the long term mechanical ventilation patient.

1.0 Free CEUs fopr Respiratory Therapists

Sedation and Asynchrony

2016-05-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Link Between Sedation & Asynchrony- While ventilation may be a life-saving tool for critically ill patients, it can also be an uncomfortable experience due to the invasiveness of the tubing, and mismatches (or “asynchronies”) between the patient’s demand for breath and the ventilator-delivered breathing pattern. In the past, clinicians addressed ventilator-patient asynchrony through heavy sedation. However, recent studies have highlighted the negative consequences of over-sedation for ventilatory patients, which include muscle atrophy from prolonged disuse and lengthened ventilation times. By evaluating for asynchrony, clinicians may be able to reduce the risk of oversedation. By using sedation more effectively, we can work together to potentially reduce ICU ventilation time.
Describe asynchrony and the effect of sedation on muscle atrophy. Discuss how conventional ventilation modes work — benefits and limitations of each considering the patient’s natural breathing pattern. Identify asynchrony and assess the causes.

1.5 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Managing Critically Ill Neonatal Patients- Ventilation of ELBW Infants

2016-04-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Challenges in Ventilation of Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Infants: Managing critically ill neonatal patients using various ventilation practices- The World Health Organization and the March of Dimes estimate that 15 million infants are born premature each year, accounting for 1 in 10 babies born worldwide. Many of these infants will develop Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and other complications that require increased respiratory support. Studies have evaluated early antenatal corticosteroids and surfactant replacement therapy, individualized intubation strategies and lung protective strategies. To reduce the risk of chronic lung disease from repetitive atelectrauma, volutrauma and oxygen toxicity, clinicians have developed lung-protective strategies. These include noninvasive continuous airway pressure (CPAP), advanced modes of conventional mechanical ventilation—both volume targeting and optimizing positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP)—and an open lung concept with high frequency ventilation. Reviews ventilation challenges with extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Current ventilation practices, devices and review of the literature. Clinical cases and management of ELBW infants.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Exercise-Induced Asthma

2016-03-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Exercise-Induced Asthma: Treatment and Management- Exercise-induced asthma (EIA), also known as exercise induced bronchoconstriction, is a disorder in which respiratory distress is associated with histamine release. The disorder is often triggered by some form of aerobic exercise and may last anywhere from two to 10 minutes. Symptoms of EIA may resemble those of an allergic asthmatic attack or the symptoms may be vague and go unnoticed. The ideal treatment for EIA is prevention. The primary treatment is with the use of a short- or rapid-acting inhaled beta2-agonist administered 15 to 30 minutes prior to the exercise. With proper treatment and awareness, the prognosis is good for most people who exercise. If adequate treatment is undertaken, there should be no reason why performance on the field should be limited.
Identify the risk factors for EIA and its clinical presentation.
Discuss medications, types of exercise and environmental factors associated with EIA.
List the different classes of drugs and their characteristicsused to treat patients with EIA

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Free until 4/18/16

Gannett Education

Capnographic Monitoring

2016-02-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

Rationales and Applications for Capnography Monitoring During Conscious Sedation Explore drivers of change for basic anesthetic monitoring. Discuss capnography as a strategy for promotion of patient safety. Evaluate barriers to implementation of capnographic monitoring.

2.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Saxe Healthcare

This program is sponsored by Teleflex

7 Free CEUs- Asthma Management Program

2016-02-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Asthma Management Program- Facts about Asthma. Myths about Asthma. Assessment and Monitoring. Diagnosis and Severity of Asthma. Measurement of Lung Function Control of Environmental Factors. Environmental Allergens. Irritants and other factors. Pharmacologic Management, Pathophysiology. Bronchodialator medication. Anti-inflammatory medication. Patient Education. Partnership with the patient. Inhaler and Peak Flow Meter technique.

7.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

Evidence-based Practices: A Roadmap to Preventing HAP & VAP

2016-01-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Roadmap to HAP & VAP: Neglecting Oral Care- Discuss prevalence and consequences of Hospital Acquired Pneumonia & Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (HAP & VAP). Describe how the mouths of critically ill patients undergo radical changes to become reservoirs of pathogens. Identify the means by which poor oral care in the ICU can result in complications including pneumonia. List recommended oral care interventions and associated evidence-based rationales.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Expires 9/2017

Support by Halyard Knowledge Network

New CDC Recommendations for Prevention of VAP

2015-12-29T08:48:00.000-08:00

CDC Recommendations on Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)- Mechanical ventilation is required in up to 50% of all critically ill patients during their hospital course. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is not uncommon and is known to be associated with increased morbidity, mortality and length of stay. Currently, there is a renewed focus on VAP due to the financial reimbursement with a pay for performance fee structure. The pathogenesis of VAP is hypothesized to be due to the introduction of bacteria into the sterile lower respiratory tract. This article addresses the CDC recommendations for the known modifiable risk factors for VAP, back rest elevation, maintaining endotracheal tube cuff pressure, selection of endotracheal tube and placement, ventilator circuit care, de-contamination of oral flora, and minimizing sedation in the mechanically ventilated patient. Discuss the pathogenesis of VAP (Ventilator-associated Pneumonia). Describe the economic impact of diagnosing VAP in a patient. Identify the CDC recommended methods of VAP prevention.

2.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Saxe Healthcare

Teleflex

Capnography: Principles & Applications

2015-11-22T09:44:00.000-08:00

Capnography: Principles and Application - Capnography, the monitoring of ETCO2 and the capnographic waveform is currently used in many areas of the hospital. Understanding the clinical application of CO2 monitoring is important when utilizing this technology. This presentation will describe the various methods of CO2 monitoring and the physiology of ventilation-perfusion relationships. Describe the aspects of the normal capnogram, clinical interpretation of ETCO2 values, analyzing the capnogram and appropriate clinical interventions. Describe the advantages of mainstream vs. sidestream CO2 technology. Discuss normal and abnormal ventilation/perfusion relationships. Identify and discuss the phases of a normal capnogram. Discuss the ETCO2/PaCO2 gradient and its clinical application. Interpret abnormal capnograms and clinical interventions.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Efficient & Effective New Patient Setups

2015-10-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Achieving Compliance with First Class Setups- Save time and reduce costs associated with new patient setups. This course will provide an overview of how to make new patient setups more efficient and effective.

This course is approved by the AARC, the BRPT for 1 credit hour.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Early Detection of Respiratory Depression

2015-09-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Early Detection of Respiratory Depression - Respiratory depression (RD) is a feared complication in patients undergoing intravenous or epidural patient-controlled analgesia for the treatment of postoperative pain. Adequate monitoring provides a unique opportunity to clinicians to detect early signs of respiratory depression and significantly reduce the incidence of sentinel events. Define sedation and opioid-induced respiratory depression (RD). Discuss the current status of monitoring for RD. Discuss the impact of procedural sedation and analgesia in the incidence of respiratory depression. Describe the role of pulse oximetry, capnography, and pulmonary indices in detecting alveolar hypoventilation.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Pain Management Module II of II- Pain Management Program

2015-08-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Pain Management Module II of II- Pain Management Program Name a strong opioid that has no active metabolites. Identify two adverse effects from PCA analgesia. Define PCA by proxy. List three benefits of Programmed Intermittent Bolus medication administration. Identify a way to prevent misconnections with Epidural medication administration.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Free Sleep CEUs- Efficient & Effective New Patient Setups

2015-08-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Achieving Compliance with First Class Setups Save time and reduce costs associated with new patient setups. This course will provide an overview of how to make new patient setups more efficient and effective. This course is approved by the AARC, the BRPT for 1 credit hour.

1.0 Free CEUs for Sleep Techs & Respiratory Therapists

Ventilator Synchrony & NIV

2015-07-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Patient-Ventilator Synchrony wtih NIV-What, Why, and How To Deal With It? Patient-ventilator asynchrony occurs commonly during noninvasive mechanical ventilation and interferes with effective delivery as well as safety. You will be able to determine which key strategies will help avoid asynchrony and provide successful noninvasive ventilation for your patients.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Pain Management Series: Module I of II- The Problem of Pain

2015-06-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Pain Management Module I: The Problem of Pain– State the definition of pain. Discuss barriers to care and misconceptions surrounding pain management. List three physiological complications to unrelieved and/or undertreated pain. Describe clinical assessment of pain.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Reducing Pressure Ulcers With NIV

2015-04-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Pressure is On-How Respiratory Therapist and Clinicians Can Reduce HAPU When Using NIV?- Respiratory Therapists and clinicians are under growing pressure to help prevent and treat Healthcare Acquired Pressure Ulcers (HAPUs). Learn how implementing a strategy for mask-related HAPUs can help reduce patient harm and lower risk for your hospital. Find out how your Respiratory Department can implement a prevention strategy for mask-related HAPUs. Understand the training necessary to build a strategy for reducing mask-related pressure ulcers. Identify the critical components for creating a successful approach to managing HAPU’s.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

New Technology and the Impact on Patient Safety

2015-03-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

How New Technologies & Practices Will Impact Patient Safety- Identify the driving forces for patient safety in the future and list the AORN actions that address patient safety. Discuss the examples of future information technology from the presentation that improve healthcare practices and efficiencies. Describe how information technology can improve patient safety.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

Expires 6/2106

Pfiedler Enterprizes Educational grants by Knowledge Network Kimberly-Clark Care Education

2.0 Free CEUs- VAP & Other Complications Related to Tracheostomy

2015-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Fighting VAP one step at a time: Early mobility for the ventilated patient/Tracheostomy: Do we need to be concerned about the complications?- With the introduction of VAP prevention bundles by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), critical care units have reported dramatic reductions in VAP rates. In her article, Ms. Andrews reviews the evidence supporting or questioning recommendations for VAP prevention and explores the evidence-based practices beyond the basic bundle including early tracheostomy and early mobility.
Since its inception, tracheostomy has become one of the more frequently performed procedures in ICU care. It has been estimated that 15-20% of ICU patients undergo tracheostomy at some point during their clinical course. Tracheostomy offers several important advantages over endotracheal intubation. Over the years many technological advances have occurred both in terms of the procedure and the tracheostomy tube technology. In his article, Mr. Davies describes the types and incidences of complications in light of today’s technology and population distributions.

Compare the evidence supporting the bundle elements recommended for reducing VAP in the ICU patient.
Describe the modalities referred to as early mobilization.
Discuss early versus late complications.
Describe methods to secure a tracheostomy tube.
Discuss how morbid obesity increases the risk of accidental cannulation.

2.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

High Flow Oxygen Therapy- Mechanisms of Action

2015-01-29T11:07:00.001-08:00

High Flow Therapy: Mechanisms of Action- Understand the reason for limiting conventional nasal cannula therapy to low flows. Define High Flow Therapy and how it can be accomplished with a nasal cannula. Explain how the dynamics of flow through the nasopharynx improve respiratory efficiency and support work of breathing. Explain how gas delivered at body temperature and saturated promotes better respiratory mechanics and decreases energy of gas conditioning.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists

The Benefits of Heliox High Flow Therapy

2015-01-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

High Flow Specialty Gas Delivery- Define HFT and how can it can be accomplished with a nasal cannula. Explain how the dynamics of flow through the nasopharynx improve respiratory efficiency and support work of breathing. Explain the properties of Heliox gas mixture, and how it is beneficial by induction into high flow therapy. Understand the how the characteristics of HFT facilitate the breathing of heliox via a nasal cannula. Understand the patient population that can benefit from heliox HFT.

1.0 Free CEUs for Respiratory Therapists