{"id":3851,"date":"2017-03-24T20:38:35","date_gmt":"2017-03-24T20:38:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-biology2\/?post_type=chapter&p=3851"},"modified":"2017-04-05T16:32:17","modified_gmt":"2017-04-05T16:32:17","slug":"putting-it-together-the-respiratory-system","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-wmopen-biology2\/chapter\/putting-it-together-the-respiratory-system\/","title":{"raw":"Putting It Together: The Respiratory System","rendered":"Putting It Together: The Respiratory System"},"content":{"raw":"Now that we've learned all about the different parts and functions of the respiratory\u00a0system, let's take a quick moment to review\u00a0the system as a whole:\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/SPGRkexI_cs\r\n

Career Connection<\/h2>\r\nThere are several different professions that work with the respiratory system. One of these is the respiratory therapist.\r\n
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Respiratory Therapist<\/h3>\r\nRespiratory therapists or respiratory practitioners evaluate and treat patients with lung and cardiovascular diseases. They work as part of a medical team to develop treatment plans for patients. Respiratory therapists may treat premature babies with underdeveloped lungs, patients with chronic conditions such as asthma, or older patients suffering from lung disease such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They may operate advanced equipment such as compressed gas delivery systems, ventilators, blood gas analyzers, and resuscitators. Specialized programs to become a respiratory therapist generally lead to a bachelor\u2019s degree with a respiratory therapist specialty. Because of a growing aging population, career opportunities as a respiratory therapist are expected to remain strong.\r\n\r\nRespiratory therapists use various tests to evaluate patients. For example, they\u00a0test lung capacity by having patients breathe into an instrument that measures the volume and flow of oxygen when they inhale and exhale. Respiratory therapists also may take blood samples and use a blood gas analyzer to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.\r\n\r\nRespiratory therapists also perform chest physiotherapy on patients to remove mucus from their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe. Removing mucus is necessary for patients suffering from lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, and it involves the therapist vibrating the patient\u2019s rib cage, often by tapping the patient\u2019s chest and encouraging him or her to cough. Respiratory therapists may connect patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators that deliver oxygen to the lungs. Therapists insert a tube in the patient\u2019s windpipe (trachea) and connect the tube to ventilator equipment. They set up and monitor the equipment to ensure that the patient is receiving the correct amount of oxygen at the correct rate.\r\n\r\nRespiratory therapists who work in home care teach patients and their families to use ventilators and other life-support systems in their homes. During these visits, they may inspect and clean equipment, check the home for environmental hazards, and ensure that patients know how to use their medications. Therapists also make emergency home visits when necessary.\r\n\r\nIn some hospitals, respiratory therapists are involved in related areas, such as diagnosing breathing problems for people with sleep apnea and counseling people on how to stop smoking.\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"

Now that we’ve learned all about the different parts and functions of the respiratory\u00a0system, let’s take a quick moment to review\u00a0the system as a whole:<\/p>\n