This book situates learning in a clinical context to help students adopt thinking patterns that practicing healthcare professionals use. Learning in context gives students of respiratory therapy and related health professions a particularly relevant foundation for clinical practice. Explanations of physiological mechanisms underlying the benefits of common therapeutic, diagnostic, and monitoring procedures are unique to this text. This kind of knowledge is essential to the clinician in developing a rational plan of care. This book is for respiratory therapists and other health professionals involved in cardiac and respiratory care.

Clinical Focus scenarios situate the subject matter in a patient care setting and are integrated throughout each chapter. Though provoking Concept Questions interspersed throughout the text invite students to reflect on their learning. Learning objectives and an annotated list of key terms appear at the beginning of each chapter, with key terms defined at their first mention in the text. Bulleted "Points to Remember" list at the end of each chapter helps readers review key "take home" points. The interdependence of the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and renal systems in oxygentation and acid-base regulation are explored in depth. The interpretation of physiological data is emphasized, including hemodynamic values, blood gases, respiratory gases, blood electrolytes, electrocardiograms, pulmonary function tests, and breathing mechanisms. The physiological basis for therapeutic, diagnostic, and monitoring procedures is made explicit.

A new chapter on Physiological Basis for Oxygenation and Lung Protective Strategies explains the ways in which normal physiology is affected by disease processes, and how specific respiratory techniques can be of benefit. A new chapter on Fetal and Newborn Cardiopulmonary Physiology explores these areas of fetal development and the normal transition to adult circulation and oxygenation, as well as the effects of prematurity on the lungs. A new chapter on Effects of Aging on the Cardiopulmonary System focuses on the effects of aging on the cardiopulmonary system and on response to exercise. New, separate chapters on Filtration, Urine Formation, and Fluid Regulation and Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation break down this difficult subject matter in manageable presentations. Offers increased coverage of cardiac enzymes and abnormalities in myocardial infarction and physiological rationale for current pharmacological interventions -not found in any other physiology textbook. Expanded coverage of asthma topics provides more information regarding abnormal airway physiology and autonomic nervous system anatomy and physiology in relation to asthma.