Talking All Things Cardiopulm

Working with patients on oxygen can feel overwhelming with all the possible devices that can be utilized.  Whether or not you are a clinician who helps in making those decisions or you are actively working with patients using these devices, it’s important to understand their range of use, the level of FiO2 available, pros and cons, as well as, special considerations for each device. Join me today,...

  There are many steps when dealing with oxygen titration.  In this episode, we set the stage for what clinicians need to consider when dealing with a patient on oxygen, including our state practice act, MD orders, available devices, and titration concepts. As PTs we can take an active role in education, and, oxygen titration to optimize safety and maximize patient outcomes.  In this episode:  PT...

An episode about mowing, MET levels, and knowing your (your patient’s) limitations. Have you ever been asked, “Can I get back to….?”  How do you help your patients make these decisions? Do you consider MET levels, HR response, or overall aerobic capacity? Using MET levels for a specific activity can be a great way to help educate patients on their current abilities or to assist in creating meaning...

Today we discuss a recent acute care evaluation of a 52yo male s/p motocycle crash, despite multiple orthopedic injuries, both the lung and the heart played a bigger role than the initial case synopsis would think. Let’s dive into a cardiopulmonary assessment and treatment interventions for this fun and complex orthopedic case. In this episode: Lung Auscultation Chest wall Assessment Breathing exe...

Lateral costal breathing exercise technique is a versatile approach that can be used to help improve lateral costal (side ribs) movement in a variety of patient populations.  It is a go-to technique to improve motor control and expansion, as well as decrease anxiety and dyspnea. Join me in this episode and give this breathing exercise a try.  In this episode: How to perform lateral costal breathin...

Join me today as we discuss all things pulmonary rehab, its structure, accepting diagnoses, benefits and even its continued underutilization. Join my main newsletter:   https://allthingscardiopulm.ck.page/9bb2730421 Want to sign up for a mentoring call with Dr. Burriesci? Sign up here: https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com/mentoring Interested in Jane? Jane, is an all-in-one practice management soft...

There are a number of reasons why a cough may be ineffective.  It all starts with assessing the four phases of a cough.  Once the inefficiency is highlighted it’s time to work on improving it.   Pending which phase is most affected, depends on how you will approach the interventions. Whether you are utilizing posture, applying manual pressure or aiming for time, there is something beneficial for e...

 It’s that time of year, the start of a new semester.  For some it’s their first-ever semester, for others, it may be their last.  No matter where you are in your journey, my advice for the semester typically stays the same. Tune in for some real-life tips and study advice, to make the most of your semester and prepare you for future exams. In this Episode: - Semester tips to set you up for succes...

In today’s episode, we break down the priorities of seeing a patient with Aspergillus  pneumonia (PNA).  When coughing and shortness of breath are the primary limitations, what should be your primary focus during your session?  As much as mobility is a huge priority in the acute care setting, it is not the only thing to consider in this patient population. As physical therapists, we should be empo...

As we cruise through August we are amidst the middle to end  of the COVID summer surge. With each new surge comes a new variant.  And with each new variant comes new info or old info updated. Today we discuss the nomenclature of the newest variants, symptomatology, PPE, ongoing discussion of airborne vs droplet and updates on the vaccines. In this episode: COVID-19 newest variants KP.3.3.1, KP3, K...

Has COVID entered your home? Are you trying to prevent spreading COVID to your family members or are you trying to prevent getting COVID in your own home? Four years in, I’m sure we are all well versed in COVID transmission and how to prevent spread, but what options do we have once it has entered the home?  Is it a lost cause to try and prevent transmission? Are there strategies we can take? This...

Halfway through the year, have you checked in with your personal goals? I certainly have been sitting and reflecting on the speediness of the last 6months and setting some new intentions for the upcoming year. But after a short dialogue about self-reflection, we jump back into all things Cardiopulm and break down the respiratory metaboreflex.  What it is, when it kicks in, its overall impact on th...

Have you ever had to make a decision about seeing a patient with hypo or hyperkalemia? Have you been a part of the conversation? Do you want to be a part of that conversation? Do you want to understand the concerns that exist for both ends of the spectrum? Join me as we break down the risks, causes and signs of both hypo and hyperkalemia. Join my main newsletter:   https://allthingscardiopulm.ck.p...

Has your patient ever been surprised by the level of debility that has occurred in such a short period of time?  The amount of change that occurs in such a short period is of no surprise but is still profound and can cause major changes in a person’s life, including but not limited to falls, weakness, cardiovascular changes and much more.  Tune into this episode to explore the physiologic changes...

Do not underestimate the value of foundational knowledge. Understanding the basics, the foundation allows you to piece together multiple complex diagnoses, medications, theories and much more.  Join me, as we break down the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact the cardiopulmonary system. The autonomic system plays an intricate role in second-to-second adaptations of the heart and...

Who would benefit from a breathing assessment? Is it just patients in the hospital setting? Is it just patients with lung disease?  The answer is an overwhelming no. Breathing is for everyone. Even high-level athletes can benefit from a breathing assessment and definitely breathing interventions.  What you will find may surprise you… Tune into this episode to discuss the breathing mechanics of a s...

Hypertension (HTN) is known as the silent killer because of its silent damage over years and years, leading to the number one cause of death coronary artery disease.  We know lifestyle change has significant effect on preventing and decreasing HTN, but pharmacologic management is typically the primary driver.  So what if there was another tool that could help decrease blood pressure in a non-pharm...

Giving you the quick and dirty breakdown of PAD for your NPTE prep. Join my main newsletter:   https://allthingscardiopulm.ck.page/9bb2730421 Want to sign up for a mentoring call with Dr. Burriesci? Sign up here: https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com/mentoring Interested in Jane? Jane, is an all-in-one practice management software with helpful features to power your practice.  Head to https://meet.j...

Are you new to acute care, maybe a student ready to approach their first acute care rotation or maybe just an OG PT that wants to corroborate this story? Post-op rehab can be very affected by the type of anesthesia that is used. The best way to deal with this as a PT is to understand the potential outcomes or common trends.  The more you know, the better you will be able to anticipate what will/co...

Are you familiar with the RPE scale? Do you have a preference on the 6-20 or 0-10 scale? Have you utilized this scale in your practice or teaching? Me too! And yes I 100% have a preference.  But did you know that this scale has been around since the 1960s and was created by Dr. Gunnar Borg and later updated with his daughter? Have you ever checked the original reference of the Borg scale you use?...

Ever wonder if there is a more effective strategy for helping patients clear their secretions?  What you do and how you do that intervention matters, but what if when you did them, was even more important? Join me in this episode, where we will break down the order of operations to optimize your treatment techniques and your patient’s mucus clearance.  In this episode: Importance of assessment tec...

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias you may see in practice.  It can be both safe to work with and dangerous.  Therefore, it’s important to understand the rhythm at its base and the concerns that exist with this rhythm. Let’s break down a-fib at its core, identify its main characteristics on EKG, common symptoms, as well as, acute and long terms concerns. As a physical therap...

The NPTE is too important of a test to try and wing it or attempt to cram. It’s a fine balance of attacking your weaknesses and using your strengths to develop momentum and confidence. Prepping for the NPTE takes organization, planning, discipline and a dose of consistency.  Tune into this episode to learn how to set yourself up for success and learn about the new updates coming to the All Things...

Have you ever made dough from scratch? If you have, you know it’s all about the long game and a ton of patience.  This is not a hobby that you can practice quickly, nor a skill you can rush through. It takes time to get it right and it takes patience to work through it. Patience is not always an easy skill to master, especially if you feel short of breath, but it is a necessary skill to conquer to...

Are you procrastinating on completing your MOSC application or just feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry I got you.  Check out this 4 part series of tackling the MOSC to help you plan, prepare and successfully complete your specialty portfolio. Learn from my mistakes along the way, and hit this application with efficiency and confidence! In this episode, we get down to the nitty-gritty of building you...