Top 10 Reasons to Become a Respiratory Therapist

Top 10 Reasons to Become a Respiratory Therapist

Top 10 Reasons to Become a Respiratory Therapist I wrote the original ‘Top 10 Reasons to Become a Respiratory Therapist’ a few years ago. The post exploded on social networks on Respiratory Week of last year. The post was shared over 30,000 times. This year’s...

Winter’s Formula

Winter’s Formula Calculation: Expected pCO2 = 1.5 * HCO3- + 8 +/- 2 When to use Winter’s Formula Winter formula is used during times of metabolic acidosis, metabolic acidosis is when both pH < 7.35 and HCO3- < 22 on an arterial blood gas. What is the...

Calculate Airway Resistance ( Raw )

How to calculate Airway Resistance ( Raw ) Raw = (PIP – Pplat) / Flow During volume ventilation this equation will estimate the Airway Resistance (Raw). Larger factors influencing Airway resistance are airway diameter and if the air flow is laminar or turbulent....

Classic Shunt Equation

How to Calculate Classic Shunt Classic Shunt Equation: Qs/Qt = ((CcO2 – CaO2) / (CcO2 – CvO2)) * 100 Indicator or efficiency of pulmonary system: < 10% = normal lungs 10-20% = minimal effect 20-30% = significant pulmonary disease > 30% =...
Alveolar Arterial Oxygen Gradient (A-a Gradient)

Alveolar Arterial Oxygen Gradient (A-a Gradient)

Alveolar Arterial Oxygen Gradient Alveolar Arterial Oxygen Gradient (A-a gradient) is a measure of the difference between the Alveolar Concentration of Oxygen (PAO2) and the Arterial Concentration of Oxygen (PaO2). The A–a gradient is useful in determining the source...
Oxygen Tank Duration Calculation

Oxygen Tank Duration Calculation

Oxygen Tank Duration Oxygen tank duration calculation approximates how much time is left in an oxygen tank based on oxygen flow settings. Duration of Flow = Oxygen Tank Conversion Factor * Remaining Tank Pressure (psi) / Continuous Flow Rate (L/min) Oxygen Cylinder...