Respiratory care
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Predicted values for pulmonary function tests differ significantly from the reference values used for many other diagnostic tests. Historically, simple equations using age, height, and sex were used to "predict" normal lung function. However, these multiple factors interact in complex ways to determine what the expected lung function values are in healthy subjects. ⋯ Modern equations use upper and lower limits of normal to offer a statistically robust means of defining who is within normal limits. Despite these advances, interpretation of pulmonary function test results has not been highly standardized, largely because interpretation depends on the reference equations used and, more importantly, how they are applied. This review discusses the strengths and limitations of using reference equations to interpret pulmonary function data in the context of research and clinical practice.
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The purpose of this study was to assess graduate and undergraduate international respiratory therapy students' perceptions of the impact of their international educational experience on their life experience and development. ⋯ International education has a large overall positive impact on students' life experience and development. The study findings support the value of promoting international education in RT programs due to its role in advancing students' development and the internationalization of RT education.
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Switching patients affected by early severe ARDS and undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from controlled ventilation to spontaneous breathing can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on how effectively the breathing pattern is controlled with ECMO. Identifying the factors associated with ineffective control of spontaneous breathing with ECMO may advance our pathophysiologic understanding of this syndrome. ⋯ In early severe ARDS, the factors associated with rapid shallow breathing despite maximum extracorporeal CO2 extraction include less efficient CO2 and O2 exchange by the natural lung, higher severity of organ failure, and greater magnitude of lung edema.
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Comparative Study
A Comparison of Practice Patterns Among Certified and Noncertified Asthma Educators.
Asthma educators are essential for providing patients with the knowledge and skills needed to control asthma. The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional survey was to examine the differences in practice patterns between certified and noncertified asthma educators. ⋯ For a majority of the education tasks, certified versus noncertified responses did not differ in their reported frequency of performing education tasks. Future researcher should examine the potential differences in patient outcomes based on provider certification status.