Final answer:
Respiratory care services in alternative settings often include the use of CPAP, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary surfactant administration, and supplemental oxygen therapy, all of which may be administered by a respiratory therapist.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common respiratory care services provided in alternative settings include:
- Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to support patients, especially infants, who can breathe on their own but still need assistance.
- Mechanical ventilation for patients, such as infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), who cannot breathe on their own.
- Pulmonary surfactant administration to reduce the surface tension of the alveoli in the lungs, essential especially for premature babies with underdeveloped lungs.
- Supplemental oxygen therapy to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and assist those with conditions like COPD or emphysema.
These services are often conducted by a respiratory therapist, who plays a critical role in the treatment of patients with lung and cardiovascular diseases. They work collaboratively with a medical team to utilize advanced equipment and therapies to improve respiratory function.