Disciplines: Respiratory Therapy
Hours: 1 Contact Hour
Author(s): Abdullah Alismail, MS, RCP, RRT-NPS
Peer Reviewer(s): Traci Marin, PhD, MPH, RRT, RPGST
Item#: V7241
Contents: 1 Course Book (30 pages)

Weaning and Extubation
Price $9.95
Item # V7241
When available, the Online Course format is included with the hard copy, eBook, or audio book formats!

The mortality rate of patients that fail extubation and must be reintubated is 50%, making the decision to begin the process of extubation a critical one. Although weaning and extubation are two different procedures, they are linked by continuity of care. Accurate patient assignment and effective weaning procedures, followed by safe extubation, provide an avenue for decreasing the risk of complications associated with both premature extubation and prolonged mechanical ventilation or reintubation.  

This course discusses the physiologic parameters and tests that must be performed to assess the readiness for extubation, such as PEEP levels, psychological factors, and resolution of the initial underlying problem. It also discusses weaning measurements such as MIP or NIF, ventilation and heart rate, oxygenation status, PEEP, and cuff leak test. Extubation and post-extubation are also covered as well as complications and extubation failure. 
Course Objectives
  • Recognize indications for intubation and mechanical ventilation.
  • Identify components of the weaning and mechanical ventilation withdrawal processes.
  • Discuss different weaning protocols from the literature.
  • Understand and list physiological parameters that are associated with weaning and extubation.
  • List complications that are associated with the extubation process.
  • Discuss the most recent evidence in the literature about premature extubation rates. 
Abdullah Alismail, MS, RCP, RRT-NPS, is an Assistant Professor in the Cardiopulmonary Sciences Department at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. He received his MS in Health Professions Education and his BS in Respiratory Care from Loma Linda University. 
Traci Marin, PhD, MPH, RRT, RPGST, is an assistant research professor and program director and professor in the Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Schools of Allied Health and Medicine at Loma Linda University. She is also an adjunct researcher and advisor at the Department of Medicine, at Dr. John Shyy’s laboratory, at the University of California, San Diego, as well as the founder of Tranquility Community Health. Traci received her PhD from the University of California, Riverside, in biochemistry and molecular biology; her MPH in epidemiology and biostatistics from Loma Linda University; her bachelor’s degree in emergency medical care from Loma Linda University; and her AS RT from Victor Valley College.
  • Contact hours will be awarded for up to one (1) year from the date the course is ordered, unless otherwise indicated with an expiration date.
  • You must score 75% or higher on the final exam and complete the course evaluation to pass this course and receive a certificate of completion.
  • Through our review processes, Western Schools ensures that this course content is presented in a balanced, unbiased manner and is free from commercial influence. It is Western Schools’ policy not to accept commercial support.
  • All persons involved in the planning and development of this course have disclosed no relevant financial relationships or other conflicts of interest related to the course content.