Pulmonary-Compromised Patients: Oxygen Delivery and Dysphagia Issues

Presented by Jo Puntil

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Video Runtime: 78 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 44 Minutes

Speech pathologists and other members of the rehab team are faced with growing caseloads of patients with remarkable medical disorders that need to be assessed and treated efficiently. We are asked to see patients in the intensive care unit with significant pulmonary issues, who may be on various oxygen delivery systems, including noninvasive ventilation. Participants will learn pulmonary sequelae of pathologies and how to manage these medically fragile patients. Understanding how these manifestations may interfere with normal swallowing and the goal of our clinical swallowing evaluation and instrumental and/or treatment options is imperative. This course will increase your critical thinking skills for assessing and treating adults with respiratory disorders.

Meet your instructor

Jo Puntil

Jo Puntil is an ASHA Fellow, past chair of the CFCC, and a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders. She has extensive experience in developing interdisciplinary rehab programs/teams throughout southern California and Utah, specifically in the areas of critical and acute care. Jo has lectured…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology

1. Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology

Speech pathologists and rehab clinicians should have a clear understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lower respiratory system. Normal and abnormal rate and rhythms will be discussed, as well as what causes those changes in patients.

Pulmonary Pathologies

2. Pulmonary Pathologies

The pulmonary sequelae from obstructive versus restrictive/infectious pulmonary disorders is important for speech pathologists and rehab clinicians to understand. This chapter will explore treatments for each disorder and how these pulmonary issues can interfere with normal swallowing and independent living.

Oxygen Flow, Concentration, and Delivery Methods

3. Oxygen Flow, Concentration, and Delivery Methods

Speech pathologists and rehab clinicians should be able to distinguish among all the types of oxygen delivery systems from simple to complex. Why patients need various types of delivery systems, as well as advantages and disadvantages of all devices, will be discussed.

Clinical Swallowing Evaluation and Timing:    The Goal Is Everything

4. Clinical Swallowing Evaluation and Timing: The Goal Is Everything

This chapter will cover what is needed in a clinical evaluation, the goal when a speech pathologist is called in, and the decision-making process of oral feedings. The importance of communication with the patient, family, and team will be discussed.

Questions and Answers

5. Questions and Answers

The final chapter summarizes the course and reviews relevant clinical pearls for viewers to take home.