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NMT/RT: Pulmonary Anatomy & Physiology
This course is accessible until 1/31/2026

This course is part of the Anatomy and Physiology Review for NMT/RT. This course on Pulmonary A&P and Arterial Blood Gases 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. Content includes A&P of the respiratory system, mechanisms that control respiration, diffusion and gas exchange, oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and the factors that affect the work of breathing. Techniques for obtaining and analyzing arterial blood gases are described, and differentiation of imbalance pathologies are discussed. Course structure encompasses clinical presentation and management of patients with various acid/base imbalances.

This content is supported by 6 additional anatomy and physiology courses for NMT/RT: Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Gastrointestinal, Hematology, Neurology, and Renal.

NOTE for Imaging: 

Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
  1. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.
  2. Discuss the mechanisms that control respiration.
  3. Discuss the steps in diffusion and gas exchange.
  4. Discuss the relationships described by the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.
  5. Describe factors that affect the work of breathing.
  6. Discuss the clinical implications of normal and abnormal ABG values.
  7. Discuss compensation mechanisms for pH imbalances.
  8. Describe ABG test processes and interpretation.

Clarissa Welbaum, MSN, RN, CCNS, CCTN

Clarissa Welbaum, MSN, RN, CCNS, CCTN graduated from Samford University School of Nursing in Birmingham, Alabama in 1997 with a BSN degree. She then worked in the Coronary Care Unit at UAB Hospital from 1997-2003. She received her MSN with Clinical Nurse Specialist Degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing in 2003. After graduation, Mrs. Welbaum assumed the position as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Medical/Surgical Service line.  In 2005 she received her certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Adult and Critical Care population through AACN.  Currently Mrs. Welbaum is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Abdominal Surgery and Abdominal Transplant Serviceline.

Disclosures
This author has disclosed that there are neither conflicts of interest nor commercial affiliation with this activity.

Revisioning Author: Lynette Woide, MSN, RN

Lynette Woide received her diploma of nursing from Fairview General Hospital School of Nursing.  She furthered her studies and obtained her BSN and MSN from the University of Phoenix.  Her professional career has focused on oncology. Lynette lives in Central Florida and now focuses her time working for echelon.

Disclosures
*There are no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies for those involved with the ability to control the content of this activity.

Florida Dept of Health - Bureau of Radiation Control/AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management (FLDOH-BRC/AHRA) - 1/31/2026
CE Credits: 2.00, Category: Cat A/Technical Approved - Expiration Date 1/31/2026

Completion Requirements: To receive continuing education credit commensurate with the credit awarded for this on-line activity, the participant must:

  • View all modules and cases studies.
  • Participate and pass all Self-Checks and Post Test(s).
  • Complete and submit the on-line evaluation.

Certificates of Completion: will be available to print immediately upon finishing the completion requirements. You are encouraged to print and save your certificate for your portfolio as required by your licensing body. Interdisciplinary accredited activities, activities having multiple accreditors, will be listed individually on the Certificate of Completion.

Non-Endorsement of Products: echelon®, as an accredited provider, has demonstrated proficient experience and viable resources to provide for valid and reliable evaluation of CE activities. The accuracy of the facts and opinions contained in this activity are t

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