Respiratory Care in Nursing
Care of patients with respiratory disorders
Type
Domain
Competency Area
Patient Care
Levels
Record respiration and oxygen saturation rates
Collect assessment data on respiration rate
Assist in administration of oxygen
Report patients’ respiratory status and oxygen saturation to trained nurse respiration
Perform pulse oximetry monitoring
Perform airway management and respiratory care
Administer oxygen therapy after verifying doctors’ orders
Perform oral and nasal suctioning
Administer nebulisation and inhaler therapy
Provide care to patients with tracheostomy
Provide care to patients with chest tube drainage system
Document procedures provided
Evaluate procedures provided
Assist patients in performing coughing and breathing exercises with the application of handheld mucus clearance devices
Perform complex airway management and respiratory care
Perform assessments of the lungs through auscultation
Formulate nursing care plans based on assessment findings
Evaluate patients’ treatment and/or care plans based on the assessment findings
Interpret clinical and laboratory results
Administer medication and intravenous fluids as prescribed
Provide guidance and supervision to junior healthcare personnel
Respond to emergencies related to airway management
Provide care to patients requiring non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
Perform insertion of oropharyngeal airway and nasopharyngeal airway after sizing
Assist in endotracheal intubation
Provide care to patients with endotracheal tubes Perform extubation of endotracheal tubes according to organisational policies
Assist in percutaneous tracheostomy insertions
Provide care to patients requiring mechanical ventilation and use of cough assist devices if needed
Provide education to patients on the use of peak flow meter and handheld mucus clearance devices
Provide counselling to patients for smoking cessation
Consult respiratory therapists for additional support treatments
Perform, supervise, educate and evaluate staff on airway management and respiratory care
Perform mask fitting and trouble shooting,
Set up of ambulatory respiratory devices
Set up ambulatory chest drainage system
Ensure staff compliance to guidelines, protocol of respiratory care
Participate in the research associated in respiratory care
Review existing and/or new development on respiratory care and management
Maintain staff’s competency on respiratory care
Develop new services on respiratory care
Set standards of practices for respiratory care
Generate new and/or emerging knowledge in respiratory care through research
Collaborate with government bodies and key stakeholders in the healthcare group to formulate the management and continuity of care for the respiratory patients across care spectrum