Online Courses

Pulmonary System - Critical Care (5.0 CEU)

Discount Bundle Price: $20.00

This course bundle is accessible until 3/1/2026

A&P and Arterial Blood Gases, Assessment and Airway Management, Disease States, and Ventilation and Chest Tubes present an overview of pulmonary anatomy and physiology, a discussion of the elements involved in pulmonary assessment, and a description of several pulmonary disorders and interventions. How does the body regulate gas exchange and maintain acid/base balance? What is the etiology for patients with acute respiratory failure, ARDs, COPD and asthma? Also covered are the modes of ventilation, ventilator-associated pneumonia, suction and secretion management, plus the effect of ventilation on body systems.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

AdventHealth University Division – echelon® is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

echelon® is an approved CE provider by the Florida Board of Nursing.

AdventHealth University Division echelon is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider Number CPE16352.

NOTE: This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors; individuals may not repeat and report a self-learning activity for credit twice in the same biennium.

ANCC Accredited Organization

This course reports to CE Broker

This pulmonary course will assist the healthcare provider in their understanding and proficiency in:

A&P and Arterial Blood Gases (2 CEU)

  1. Discussing the steps in diffusion and gas exchange.
  2. Discussing the relationships described by the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.
  3. Describing factors that affect the work of breathing and the clinical implications of normal and abnormal ABG values.
  4. Discussing compensation mechanisms for pH imbalances.
  5. Describing ABG test processes and interpretation.

Assessment and Airway Management (1 CEU)

  1. Explaining the process of assessing the pulmonary system, elaborating on the components of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, and discussing the importance of medical history as the bedside inspection is initiated.
  2. Describing the process of chest auscultation and the implications of misplaced breath sounds.
  3. Listing the four changes that occur in the respiratory system as a result of aging.
  4. Describing the requirements for normal oxygenation and the signs and symptoms of oxygen deprivation.
  5. Describing four oxygen delivery devices and the criteria/parameters for each.
  6. Explaining two assistive/correction actions for airway obstruction.

Ventilation and Chest Tubes (1 CEU)

  1. The three interventions that assist in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
  2. Differentiating between high-pressure and low-pressure alarms as well as circumstances when they occur.
  3. Describing how positive pressure ventilation can affect several body systems functions.
  4. Describing appropriate suctioning techniques and supplies necessary for the process.
  5. Describing indications for chest tube placement and chest drainage systems utilized.
  6. Explaining the appropriate maintenance techniques and troubleshooting activities for chest tubes and the two indications for chest tube clamping and the guidelines utilized.

Disease States (1 CEU)

  1. Calculating the V/Q ratio and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio.
  2. Identifying the pathology, etiology, and clinical presentation for a patient with acute respiratory failure.
  3. Describing the physical findings and factors included in the clinical assessment of the patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome and the treatment, therapy, and medications used in patient treatment.
  4. Describing the physical findings and list the factors included in the clinical assessment of the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma and identifying the various medications and therapies used in patient treatment.
  5. Identifying the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, pulmonary emboli, and lung cancer, and treatment options for each.

CC18 Pulmonary: A&P and Arterial Blood Gases

This pulmonary course for critical care nurses presents a brief overview of the structures and functions of the pulmonary system as well as its role in the regulation of gas exchange and the maintenance of acid/base balance. Techniques for obtaining and analyzing arterial blood gases are described, and differentiation of imbalance pathologies are discussed. Course content encompasses clinical presentation and management of patients with various acid/base imbalances.

CC19 Pulmonary: Respiratory Assessment and Airway Management

This pulmonary course for nurses presents the methods for assessing the respiratory system, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. The modalities used to assist and support ventilation are outlined and defined. The methods for maintaining an open airway are described. Course content discusses indications and criteria for long-term airway support.

CC20 Pulmonary: Ventilation Modes and Chest Tubes

This course on ventilators and chest tubes includes a discussion of modes of ventilation, ventilator-associated pneumonia, suction/secretion management, and the ventilator's effect on specific body systems. Chest tubes and the varieties of chest drainage systems utilized to correct pulmonary anomalies.

CC21 Pulmonary: Respiratory Disease States

This last course in the pulmonary series for nurses presents various disease states of the pulmonary system. Included in this course is the etiology and clinical presentation for patients presenting with acute respiratory failure, ARDs, COPD and asthma, and other pulmonary diseases, such as lung cancer and pulmonary emboli. Also presented are medications, therapies, and treatments utilized in the care of these patients.