What it means
A member of the care team trained in breathing care. Respiratory therapists give nebulizer treatments, set up and adjust oxygenOK-sih-jenA gas in the air that every cell needs, also given as a medicine at higher amounts than room air.Full entry and mechanical ventilationmeh-KAN-ih-kul ven-tuh-LAY-shunBreathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.Full entry , draw and run arterial blood gasar-TEER-ee-ul BLUD GASA blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.Full entry , and teach clients to use inhalers and breathing exercises. In many hospitals they answer rapid response calls with the nurse.
For the nurse
The nurse still assesses breathing and reports changes; the therapist does not take over the nurse's duty to watch the client. Call the therapist for ventilator alarms, worsening oxygen needs or help with airway equipment, and tell them about any change you see.
In a chart
"RT at bedside; nebulizer treatment given, breath sounds improved, SpO2 95% on 2 L."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | RT, RRT (registered respiratory therapist) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | terapeuta respiratorio |
| Also written | respiratory therapists |
Related terms
oxygen
A gas in the air that every cell needs, also given as a medicine at higher amounts than room air.
occupational therapist
A health professional who helps people do the everyday tasks of living and working.
mechanical ventilation
Breathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.
nebulizer
A machine that turns liquid drug into a fine mist that a person breathes in through a mouthpiece or mask.