RT Roots
This early 20th-century device enclosed the entire body and used negative pressure to help polio patients breathe.
Iron lung (negative-pressure ventilator).
Give one example of a basic therapy that RTs provide to increase a patient’s oxygen levels.
Oxygen therapy (via nasal cannula, mask, or other delivery system).
What does the acronym HIPAA stand for?
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
What minimum college degree is required to begin practice as a respiratory therapist?
Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in respiratory therapy.
What term describes providing respiratory assessments and education to patients through video visits?
Telehealth or tele-respiratory care.
Name the two world events that most strongly accelerated the development of oxygen therapy and ventilator technology.
World War II (development of oxygen therapy/ventilators) and the Polio epidemic of the 1940s–1950s.
In addition to hospitals, name one other healthcare setting where RTs commonly work.
Any of: home care, long-term acute care facility, pulmonary rehab clinic, sleep lab, transport/flight team, or outpatient clinic.
According to HIPAA, sharing patient information in a public hallway is a violation of which rule—privacy or security?
Privacy Rule.
Which national board administers the credentialing exams for RTs?
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Name one way home-based respiratory monitoring can improve patient outcomes.
Detects early changes in oxygen levels or lung function, allowing faster intervention and fewer emergency visits/hospitalizations.
What term was originally used for the first hospital-based RTs before the title “respiratory therapist” existed?
Inhalation therapists (also called inhalation technicians).
What blood test do RTs draw and analyze to assess oxygenation and ventilation status?
Arterial Blood Gas (sampling & analysis)
Name one core ethical principle that guides RT decision-making and briefly define it.
Beneficence – act for the patient’s good; Non-maleficence – do no harm; Autonomy – respect patient choices; Justice – fairness.
In most states, how often must a respiratory therapist renew their license to continue practicing?
Typically every two years (state-specific; South Dakota requires 20 CEUs per 2-year renewal period).
Predictive ventilator management tools that use machine learning are an example of what technology?
Artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning technology.
Positive-pressure ventilation became common after the introduction of this compact, pneumatic ventilator in the 1950s.
Bird ventilator (Bird Mark series) or Bennett ventilator—either is acceptable as an early positive-pressure device.
List two types of critical care responsibilities RTs handle in an intensive care unit.
Any two: mechanical ventilation management, airway suctioning, aerosol medication administration, ABG sampling/analysis, ventilator troubleshooting.
If a physician requests a procedure outside an RT’s legal scope, what is the correct professional response?
Politely decline and explain the task is outside scope of practice; notify a supervisor if necessary.
Give one reason why obtaining a bachelor’s degree benefits an RT’s career advancement.
Opens opportunities for leadership, management, education, or higher-paying roles.
Give one reason chronic disease management will remain a major focus for RTs in the future.
Rising rates of COPD, asthma, and post-COVID complications mean more chronic respiratory disease requiring ongoing management.
Explain one way the COVID-19 pandemic permanently influenced respiratory care practice.
Widespread use of high-flow nasal cannula, increased telehealth respiratory visits, expanded ICU ventilator management protocols, or adoption of AI tools.
During patient education, what key skill allows RTs to translate complex clinical information into language patients understand?
Effective communication/health-literacy skills (e.g., simplifying medical terms for patient understanding).
Describe one potential consequence for an RT who repeatedly violates scope-of-practice regulations.
Disciplinary action, monetary fines, loss of job, state license suspension or revocation.
Name two examples of specialty roles available to experienced RTs beyond bedside care.
ECMO specialist, asthma educator, pulmonary function technologist, RT navigator, telehealth RT, sleep specialist, neonatal, critical care
Describe one potential challenge RTs might face as telehealth and AI become more common in patient care.
Data security/privacy concerns, training needs, insurance reimbursement issues, or maintaining patient rapport when care is remote.