Introduction

Open Workbook for Entry-Level Respiratory Care is an open educational resource with CC-BY 4.0 licensing developed for entry-level respiratory therapy students. Content is based on the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) statewide respiratory curriculum for the Respiratory courses (10-515-111, 10-515-171, 10-515-172, 10-515-112, 10-515-113).

This book introduces the entry-level respiratory therapy student to the foundations of respiratory therapy, including the profession, infection control, patient safety, communication, and patient assessment. It also introduces gas laws, medical gas therapy and devices, and medication delivery devices. Basic therapeutics, including hyperinflation, bronchial hygiene and arterial punctures, are also discussed. Finally, airway management and life support skills are incorporated.  Laboratory activities and critical thinking assessments have been incorporated into each chapter to encourage students to use critical thinking while applying content to patient-care situations.

This book is available for free online and can also be downloaded in multiple formats for offline use. The online version is required for interaction with any adaptive learning activities included in the text.

This book was developed through the WisTech Open project and supported by funds from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). However, this content does not necessarily represent the policy of WTCS, and you should not assume endorsement by the state or federal government. More information about the WisTech Open project can be found at cvtc.edu/WisTech.