INTRODUCTION

The patient undergoing an acute respiratory crisis is often dyspneic, tachypneic, anxious, and wide awake. To meet the challenges imposed in caring for such patients, clinicians must be well-versed in pathophysiology, possess critical thinking skills, and demonstrate technical expertise.

This seminar provides an opportunity for the critical care nurse, medical-surgical nurse, and respiratory care practitioner to strengthen his/her knowledge base relative to the most commonly encountered and clinically significant respiratory crises. The intent is to promote increased competence and effectiveness in caring for these exceedingly vulnerable and intensely challenging patients.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This seminar is intended for critical care nurses, medical-surgical nurses, and respiratory care practitioners.