Management of the Critically Ill Aging Client with Type 1 Respiratory Failure

Course overview

The physical therapist management of aging patients with Acute Respiratory Distress System (ARDS) is complex and requires ongoing clinical reasoning to determine the patient's readiness to participate as well as their ability to progress versus their need to rest. The considerations that need to be weighed are related to the patient's cardiovascular function and hemodynamic stability, their pulmonary function, and their dependence on ventilatory support. Other factors include positive pressure ventilation, supplemental oxygen, and the patient's neuromuscular function and overall muscular weakness that can be a result of a prolonged critical illness and immobility as well as the medications and interventions required to manage their critical illness. Participants will learn the pathophysiology of ARDS, the evaluative components necessary to weigh into the clinical reasoning for when a patient is ready to participate as well as when an individual demonstrates that they have exceeded their capacity. Through a case-based presentation, the learner will gain insights into the many possible clinical scenarios that can present with an aging patient with ARDS.