Usually, students are told to think outside of the box, but this October respiratory therapy students from American Career College-Ontario were encouraged to get into the box.
Led by instructor Jenny Ventura, the respiratory therapy students visited the pulmonary function test lab at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage to see and experience some of the tests they will perform as professionals working in the field.
While at the lab, students were encouraged to step inside a "body box" and take various body plethysmography tests.
"The test shows how much air is in your lungs after you take in a deep breath," Ventura said. "It can tell you if you have lung damage from being exposed to substances in your environment, if you are able to tolerate surgery, and also shows the extent of a pulmonary disease."
Ventura said the body box is also used to measure the severity of diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma or cystic fibrosis. Via the pulmonary functions test, Ventura said, the RT is able to gather more information and determine a plan of care. Respiratory therapists do not make diagnoses from the test, she added, but send the results to a medical doctor for further evaluation.
"The trip was very beneficial for the students because they were able to tour a PFT lab and experience the type of tests a patient undergoes," Ventura said. "We don’t have a body box on campus so it was a great way to show them what a PFT respiratory therapist does."
Q: What kind of equipment do respiratory therapy students use during training?
A:In our Respiratory Therapy program, students gain hands-on experience with a variety of industry-standard equipment. This includes ventilators for breathing support, spirometers for lung function testing, and nebulizers for medication delivery. During a visit to Eisenhower Medical Center, ACC-Ontario students were able to see the "body box" used for plethysmography, a device that measures lung volume and helps diagnose respiratory conditions. These experiences bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
Q: How do respiratory therapists interpret pulmonary function tests?
A: Respiratory therapists use pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to gather critical data about a patient's lung health, including the severity of conditions like COPD, asthma, or cystic fibrosis. While they don’t diagnose patients based on these tests, they analyze the results to help guide treatment plans. The data is then shared with physicians, who use it to make official diagnoses and ensure the patient receives comprehensive care.
Q: Why are medical facility tours important for respiratory therapy students?
A: Medical facility tours, such as the visit to Eisenhower Medical Center's pulmonary function lab, are invaluable for respiratory therapy students. These tours allow students to see advanced equipment, like the “body box”, that they might not have access to on campus. By observing real-life procedures and interacting with professionals in the field, students gain a deeper understanding of how their classroom training applies to their future careers.
