Pulmonary Power
These team members help patients manage breathing needs while they participate in rehab.
Who are respiratory therapists?
October recognizes the profession that helps patients rebuild mobility and function.
What is National Physical Therapy Month?
After a long ICU stay, a patient is too weak to walk or dress independently. What type of care may help them regain those abilities once medically ready?
What is inpatient rehabilitation?
This discipline focuses on walking, transfers, balance, strength and mobility.
What is physical therapy
A stroke survior needs help with walking, transfers, dressing, and swallowing and can participate in intensive therapy. Is an IRF referral appropriate?
Yes, refer for an IRF evaluation
Respiratory therapists often help patients manage this condition, commonly called COPD, with inhaled treatments and breathing strategies. What does COPD stand for?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This October observance celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities.
What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
A patient survives sepsis and develops severe new weakness after an ICU stay. What part of their prior function should the liaison ask about to understand the change?
What is their prior level of function?
This team member reviews medication doses, interactions, and safety.
Who is the pharmacist
A patient remains medically unstable, has severe delirium, and cannot follow commands or participate in therapy. Are they ready for admission to IRF?
No, reassess when clinically appropriate
Respiratory therapists may teach patients to use this handheld device to practice slow, deep breaths after an illness or surgery.
What is an incentive spirometer?
This monthlong observance focuses on helping people find, understand, and use health information.
What is Health Literacy Month?
A referral diagnosis says weakness after critical illness. Can the liaison assume it meets a CMS 13 condition?
No- the underlying qualifying diagnosis must be established and documented.
This professional coordinates discharge services, family needs, and transitions of care.
Who is the case manager
After respiratory failure, a patient with COPD needs PT and OT, oxygen monitoring, rehab nursing and physicain managment with expected functional improvement.
Yes, patient could potentially be appropriate
When you go home after being in the hospital, you may get tired more quickly. What are two ways you can preserve your energy during tasks?
Take rest breaks, complete tasks sitting down, planning out your day/prioritizing your schedule, using energy conservation techniques
October 11-17 recognizes professionals who coordinate care and transitions
What is National Case Management Week?
A patient develops a documented critical illness polyneuropathy after a prolonged ICU stay. Which CMS 13 category may apply?
Neurological disorders
This clinician may help manage oxygen, inhaled treatments, airway clearance, and tracheostomy care
Who is the respiratory therapist
A patient had an uncomplicated procedure, walks independently, manages ADLs safely, and has no ongoing needs for hospital level medical care
No
This small device clips onto a finger and gives the care team an estimate of the patient's oxygen saturation.
What is a pulse oximeter?
Name the three October recognition weeks focused on infection prevention, pharmacy and respiratory care.
What is International Infection Prevention Week, National Pharmacy Week, and Respiratory Care Week?
Critical Illness polyneuropathy can weaken muscles used for walking and transfers. It can also weaken muscles needed for this vital funciton.
Breathing
This physician reviews and concurs with the preadmission screening, directs the rehabilitation plan, and provides ongoing medical supervision.
Who is the rehabilitation physician
A patient has a new below-knee amputation. They need help with transfers and dressing, wound care, and coordinated therapy to prepare for life at home.
Yes