Learning
Objectives
Upon
successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
-
Identify the physiologic principles underlying lung expansion
therapy.
-
Explain both the indications and contraindications for each lung
expansion modality.
-
Identify and discuss the hazards and complications associated
with the various modes of lung expansion therapy.
-
Compare and contrast the various types of equipment used in lung
expansion therapy.
- Describe
the RCP's responsibilities in the planning, implementing, and
evaluating the various lung expansion therapy modalities.
Introduction
Lung
expansion therapy includes a variety of respiratory care modalities
designed to increase patientıs lung volume. Historically, intermittent
positive pressure breathing, or IPPB, was used extensively for this
purpose. Alternative lung expansion therapies including incentive
spirometry, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and positive
expiratory pressure (PEP) have taken the place of IPPB as front
line modalities for increasing patientıs lung volume capacity.
Ongoing
research on these methods continues to demonstrate mixed results.
Clearly, some patients benefit, while others donıt. Current evidence
suggests that benefits should be expected only when patients are
carefully selected and the approach chosen is administered and closely
monitored by a skilled clinician.
In
this context, the respiratory care practitioner (RCP) plays a vital
role. In consultation with the prescribing physician, the RCP should
assist in identifying those patients most likely to benefit from
lung expansion therapy, recommend and initiate the appropriate therapeutic
approach, monitor the patientıs response, and alter the treatment
regimen according to individual need.
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