Online Pulmonary Course

In Pulmonary Academy, Dr. Peter Sloane and Natalie Orbach, PA-C provide medical professionals caring for patients with respiratory diseases a sound knowledge base to diagnose and manage a wide spectrum of pulmonary disorders. The course starts with an review of basic pulmonary anatomy and pathophysiology followed by an overview of office-based pulmonary function testing and the approach to the pulmonary patient’s office visit. The main course content focuses on common pulmonary problems seen in the office setting including obstructive and restrictive lung disease, pulmonary vascular disease, lung neoplasms and other key topics. On completion of the course, you will expand your knowledge base to confidently care for this challenging patient population.

Session 1 

• Recognize the primary (gas exchange) and secondary functions of the lung
• Identify the basic anatomic lung units
• Distinguish the five causes of hypoxemia
• Recognize single and double acid-base disorders

Session 2

• Understand the language of PFT’s
• Competently interpret full PFTS (spirometry, flow volume loops, lung volumes and diffusion capacity)
• Avoid pitfalls in interpretation
• Correlate PFT patterns with patient’s clinical picture and disease processes at presentation and over time

Session 3

• Understand the role of the pulmonary consultant in the outpatient setting.
• Learn how to take focused history and detailed pulmonary exam.
• Incorporate data such as x-rays, PFTs, laboratory studies into developing differential diagnosis.
• Develop directed recommendations to relay to the referring provider.

Session 4

• Review pathophysiology of chronic obstructive lung disease
• Discuss types of COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis)
• Utilize and interpret testing to evaluate COPD such as PFTs and imaging
• Develop appropriate treatment strategies to improve overall function and reduce symptomatology

Session 5

• Discuss pathophysiology of asthma
• Describe the various levels of asthma control
• Evaluate asthma patient utilizing various assessment tools to assess control and triggers
• Develop treatment plan appropriate for level of asthma control including medications and avoidance of triggers.

Session 6

• Review pathophysiology of restrictive lung disease
• Discuss causes of restrictive lung disease such as neuromuscular weakness, kyphoscoliosis, interstitial lung disease and obesity related restriction
• Utilize and interpret testing to evaluate restrictive lung disease such as PFTs (MIP/MEP) and imaging
• Develop appropriate treatment strategies to improve overall function and reduce symptomatology

Session 7

• Review pathophysiology of pulmonary vascular diseases
• Discuss causes of pulmonary vascular diseases such as pulmonary emboli, pulmonary HTN and veno-occlusive disease
• Utilize and interpret testing to evaluate pulmonary vascular diseases such as PFTs, lung scans and 6MWT
• Develop appropriate treatment strategies to improve overall function and reduce symptomatology

Session 8

• Understand types and etiology of pulmonary nodules
• Incorporate Fleischner Criteria into the approach to solitary nodule and multiple pulmonary nodules
• Develop a plan to evaluate, manage and follow up pulmonary nodules
• Initiate appropriate dialogue with patient and family the plan

Session 9

• Review common pulmonary complaints; such as cough, wheezing, chronic dyspnea
• Formulate differential diagnosis of these complaints
• Develop work up strategies and treatment plan to address common complaints
• Summarize important factors addressed in preoperative evaluation of the pulmonary patient

Session 10

• Recognize and develop management strategies of pleural and mediastinal diseases such as pleural effusions and mediastinal masses
• Review assessment of the patient with chronic respiratory insufficiency
• Plan with patient effective resources available to improve quality of life, such as pulmonary rehab
• Generate discussions specific to goals of care and end of life issues with pulmonary patients
• Discuss importance of vaccinations and TB testing in appropriate patients

AANP recognizes both AMA Category 1 and AAPA Category 1 credits towards nurse practitioner CE requirements.

Dr. Sloane and Natalie Orbach have no actual or potential conflicts of interest or financial disclosures to report in relation to this program.