d. Airway Management. Sometimes, the respiratory therapist must provide
instruction to the patient on how to care for devices that artificially facilitate breathing.
For example, if a patient has a track tube, the respiratory therapist will train the patient
in proper airway management.
e. Pulmonary Function Testing. If there is a lung disorder, the respiratory
therapist will determine what percentage of the right or left lung is affected and/or how
well the breathing apparatus is functioning.
f. Respiratory Emergencies. In an emergency, the respiratory therapist will
assist the patient to reestablish normal or near-normal breathing.
2-18. SOCIAL SERVICES
Social services representatives help families and patients cope with long or
short-term illness, injury, or rehabilitation. They help people bring about positive change
in their lives, with regard to their physical, mental, or social condition. For example, a
burn unit patient and his or her family might require professional assistance to cope with
the trauma of disfigurement.
2-19. SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS
Speech pathologists evaluate and treat speech or language disorders.
2-20. BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS
Biomedical equipment technicians do not have any contact with the patient. But,
they perform an essential service that is crucial to the health care team that wishes to
provide quality patient care. Biomedical equipment technicians keep all the equipment
in top working order by testing, calibrating, maintaining, and repairing hospital
equipment. They also instruct hospital staff in the proper and safe use of the equipment
that is used in a hospital environment.
MD0064
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