Transition to the Professional Nursing Role Practice Test

Understanding who manages lung function starts with the role of the respiratory therapist. They are trained to perform diagnostic tests of the lungs, such as pulmonary function testing (like spirometry) and arterial blood gas analysis, and to carry out treatments prescribed by physicians to improve pulmonary function. This includes administering inhaled medications, delivering oxygen, managing ventilator support when needed, and performing airway clearance techniques and chest physiotherapy. These activities are aimed at restoring or optimizing breathing and oxygenation, under physician orders. Other professionals focus on different areas—physical therapists concentrate on mobility and rehab, psychologists on mental health, and social workers on psychosocial support and discharge planning—so they don’t routinely perform these pulmonary diagnostics and treatments. Thus, the respiratory therapist is the professional best suited for both diagnostic testing and implementing prescribed pulmonary therapies.