Introductory Problem

Here is an example problem that is very applicable to the RESP 220 course and uses the information you have obtained from your ANPH classes.

If a patient has a total lung compliance of 25ml/cmH2O and you fill the lungs with 800ml of air, from resting functional residual capacity, what would the pressure be in the lungs (in cmH2O).  Note that you have held the 800ml of air in the lungs until the volume and pressure is totally equal in all areas of the lungs thus there is no flow and no effects of resistance.  What all this means is that the pressures in the lungs and the pressure readings on the mechanical ventilator would be the same.

Problems like the one above are critical to our understanding of lung and ventilator mechanics.  It's okay if you struggle with this problem for a while.

Post your answer as a comment and I will check in to see if you are correct.

Al

Welcome to My Blog

This is my blog and I am going to post anything that interests me about Respiratory Therapy and the SAIT RT Program.  During this winter term my blog usually focuses on RESP 220 (Introduction to Mechanical Ventilators) course but all topics are open.

I am just getting back to classes after a short break to get a new right knee installed and am looking forward to 2011 and getting to know the first year students.

My first week starting back to work takes me to Hawaii where I am presenting and attending an international educational conference from Jan. 3-7.  I know it is a tough way to start the New Year but someone has to do the dirty work.

There are some great resources for students these days with the Faculty at SAIT being excellent but I find students can often use an excellent resource like the Merck Manuals particularly as a quick resource for pathology (http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/index.html).  This online resource is the first place I go to get background info on almost any diseases.

Another source of interest is the CBC radio program “White Coat, Black Art”.  This program deals with many issues such as; stress related to shift work, ethical problems, medical errors, and just about anything to do with medicine.  It’s a fantastic professional look at the dynamics of medicine in Canada and you can choose to listen to any of the Podcasts you like at this website: http://www.cbc.ca/whitecoat/.  If you get a little tired of studying relax by listening to a few of these podcasts.

The key about a blog like this is that it is not a mechanism for me to rant and rave.  It’s a forum where I may introduce a topic or put forth my views on a topic but it really is important for you to participate with your comments.  I will do my best to respond to any and all comments in a timely manner.

Check the D2L course website for the RESP 220 course map and the first modules Power Point slides.  I’ll see you in class January 10.

Al