Doing the basics better
The Active Cycle of Breathing is a critical tool for secretion mobilization. It can also be modified in several ways to address patient-specific needs. But the basic cycle is more than enough for most patients. The goal is to loosen secretions and get air underneath them so they can be mobilized (or coughed) out. IContinue reading “Active Cycle of Breathing (ACBT)”
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Home health care PTs are incredibly familiar with the term “homebound.” It determines whether or not we can provide home-based services to a Medicare patient. Directly from CMS… “Home health services are or were required because the individual is or was confined to the home per the criteria below (as defined in sections 1835(a) andContinue reading “H.O.M.E.B.O.U.N.D.”
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Uses of the Incentive Spirometer (IS) It is thought that the IS is used to reduce the risk of post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) by increasing total lung inflation, tidal volume, and vital capacity. What Does the Evidence Say?: The most current evidence DOES NOT support the use of incentive spirometry for any patient as aContinue reading “The Incentive Spirometer”
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Don’t forget to read the basics of airway clearance techniques for full application of this tool! What is an Acapella Device? Provides Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) to exhalation Used for pulmonary hygiene to increase/maintain secretion mobility, increases sputum production Promotes increased lung volumes due to re-inflation of collapsed airways Changes focus to Exhalation instead ofContinue reading “The Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure Device (Acapella)”
We know the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, anesthetists, and all those other incredible people caring for patients in the ICU and ED are risking their lives every moment. But there is another side of this pandemic: the side that stays home. Patients that stay home or are sent home still require care. Many may haveContinue reading “The Dangers of Providing Necessary Care”
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Depending on your setting and expertise, you may or may not be asked to take on a special role during this time. There are some resources to assist you from the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. But don’t feel like you have to do everything. We have such a varied skill set as a professionContinue reading “Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It…”
Doctor B (the PT)