respiratory care practitioner

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Definition - What does respiratory care practitioner mean?

A respiratory care practitioner is a certified technician who specializes in treating lung conditions and diseases by administering effective interventions and modalities equipped for relieving breathing abnormalities affecting a patient. A respiratory care practitioner provides remedial assistance, primarily in nursing and patient home disciplines, combining various devices and techniques including pulse oximeters, spirometry, and ventilating oxygen unit systems. A respiratory care practitioner is also called a pulmonologist.

SureHire explains respiratory care practitioner

A respiratory care practitioner is a clinical professional trained to deliver cardiopulmonary treatment related, specifically, to the lungs affected by life-threatening diseases and conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A respiratory care practitioner has advanced experience assessing, providing, and maintaining extensive care to patients undergoing medical treatment in the effort of mitigating the severity of their condition(s) by applying technical measures to alleviate breathing irregularities including: spirometry, pulse oximetry, and artificial respiration (ventilation). Respiratory care practitioners are usually referred by respiratory therapists who, following an X-ray examination, coordinate an effective course of action that involves proper fitting for oxygen masks, application of oxygen supply systems and/or ventilation units while monitoring and documenting patient status and making metrical adjustments as needed to facilitate progress.

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