Basic Clinical Lab Competencies for Respiratory Care: An Integrated Approach

From The Critics

Reviewer: Larry D. Coleman, BS, RRT(Rush Medical College of Rush University)
Description: The second edition of this book outlines and describes theory and clinical skills necessary for respiratory care students and new graduates. This includes troubleshooting, equipment, correct operation, and hazards/complications associated with the therapeutic procedures the practitioner will be implementing. The first edition was published in 1988.
Purpose: The stated purpose of this book is to rapidly prepare the respiratory care practitioner to work in the clinical setting in a safe and appropriate manner, and to aid in the retention of theory and integration of theory into clinical practice.
Audience: This book will aid in the training of respiratory care students, new graduates, and therapists preparing to earn their credentials.
Features: Features of the book include a well-organized index and appropriate references, although some are dated. Illustrations are clear and of benefit. Each chapter is well organized with specific areas of interest highlighted in red. This makes it easy to skim through a section and identify a specific topic. The learning objectives preceding each chapter are clearly stated and grouped into categories addressing theory or clinical proficiency. This is a useful format that helps the reader to understand whether the chapter will require cognitive recall of facts or application of knowledge and facts. An additional reference book is not necessary because all pertinent information is included in each chapter. Practice activities are well outlined and easy to follow with step-by-step directions. Each chapter is followed by a self-evaluation and a student performance evaluation that the evaluator will use to assess the practitioner's skills. The self-evaluations are useful but limited by the fact that the answers are located on the same page as the questions. The section on noninvasive monitoring was brief but to the point. It covered limitations of various types of noninvasive monitors and the hazards associated with each type. A chapter on pharmacology was added, a topic noticeably missing from the first edition. The chapter is comprehensive without wordiness. Drug dosages, actions and side effects are discussed. The chapter on newborn mechanical ventilation is appropriate for students. I did find some of the wording to be somewhat confusing. It would have been beneficial to discuss newborn anatomy and physiology along with an explanation of the different requirements for newborn ventilation versus adult or pediatric mechanical ventilation. In addition, discussion on lung development and surfactant production would be a great benefit.
Assessment: Overall, the book is useful and I would use it during orientation of new employees and the training of students. I also recommend the book be purchased for an individual's library and by bookstores and medical libraries.

Larry D. Coleman

The second edition of this book outlines and describes theory and clinical skills necessary for respiratory care students and new graduates. This includes troubleshooting, equipment, correct operation, and hazards/complications associated with the therapeutic procedures the practitioner will be implementing. The first edition was published in 1988. The stated purpose of this book is to rapidly prepare the respiratory care practitioner to work in the clinical setting in a safe and appropriate manner, and to aid in the retention of theory and integration of theory into clinical practice. This book will aid in the training of respiratory care students, new graduates, and therapists preparing to earn their credentials. Features of the book include a well-organized index and appropriate references, although some are dated. Illustrations are clear and of benefit. Each chapter is well organized with specific areas of interest highlighted in red. This makes it easy to skim through a section and identify a specific topic. The learning objectives preceding each chapter are clearly stated and grouped into categories addressing theory or clinical proficiency. This is a useful format that helps the reader to understand whether the chapter will require cognitive recall of facts or application of knowledge and facts. An additional reference book is not necessary because all pertinent information is included in each chapter. Practice activities are well outlined and easy to follow with step-by-step directions. Each chapter is followed by a self-evaluation and a student performance evaluation that the evaluator will use to assess the practitioner's skills. The self-evaluations are useful but limited bythe fact that the answers are located on the same page as the questions. The section on noninvasive monitoring was brief but to the point. It covered limitations of various types of noninvasive monitors and the hazards associated with each type. A chapter on pharmacology was added, a topic noticeably missing from the first edition. The chapter is comprehensive without wordiness. Drug dosages, actions and side effects are discussed. The chapter on newborn mechanical ventilation is appropriate for students. I did find some of the wording to be somewhat confusing. It would have been beneficial to discuss newborn anatomy and physiology along with an explanation of the different requirements for newborn ventilation versus adult or pediatric mechanical ventilation. In addition, discussion on lung development and surfactant production would be a great benefit. Overall, the book is useful and I would use it during orientation of new employees and the training of students. I also recommend the book be purchased for an individual's library and by bookstores and medical libraries.

From the Publisher

The best feature of this text is the competency evaluations. They are simple and straightforward.Mary Rose Wiesner, Mt. San Antonio College

3 Stars from Doody