Course Form (revised 7-2008)
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program
Health Professions / Respiratory Care
Course Title
Blood Gas Analysis
Course # RES 115
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces)
Summarize the change(s) proposed
Creation of an entirely new 2 credit course.
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Requestor:
Nicholas Arthur
Phone/ email :
#7836/
Nick.Arthur@Umontana.edu
Program Chair/Director:
Other affected programs:
Date
9/19/09
Dean:
III: To Add a New Course Syllabus and assessment information is required (paste syllabus into
section V or attach). Course should have internal coherence and clear focus.
Exact entry to appear in the next catalog (Specify course abbreviation, level, number, title, credits,
repeatability (if applicable), frequency of offering, prerequisites, and a brief description.) 
U 115T Blood Gas Analysis 2 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., acceptance into the Respiratory Care program.
Study of the indications, rational, methods, and analysis of Blood Gases. Emphasis will be placed on the
physiology and clinical implications of Acid-Base abnormalities.
Justification: How does the course fit with the existing curriculum? Why is it needed?
Student understanding of this material is essential in order to function effectively as a member of a modern
Health Care team. Until now, the content for this new course has been buried within multiple other courses.
We feel that our students, and ultimately their Patients, will benefit from a sharper focus on, and a more
comprehensive understanding of, Blood Gas sampling and analysis.
Are there curricular adjustments to accommodate teaching this course?
Much, but not all, of the material for this course will be taken from the “Fundementals”(RES 131). As a
result the credits assigned to RES 131 (currently 6 credits) are being redced to 5 credits.
Complete for UG courses. (UG courses should be assigned a 400 number).
Describe graduate increment (Reference guidelines: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/Grad/UG.htm)
Fees may be requested only for courses meeting specific conditions determined by the
Board of Regents. Please indicate whether this course will be considered for a fee.
If YES, what is the proposed amount of the fee?
Justification:
IV. To Delete or Change an Existing Course – check X all that apply
Deletion
Title
Course Number Change
From:
Level U, UG, G
To:
Description Change
Change in Credits
From:
To:
Prerequisites
1. Current course information at it appears in catalog
YES
From:
To:
Repeatability
Cross Listing
(primary program
initiates form)
Is there a fee associated with the course?
2. Full and exact entry (as proposed) 
NO
(http://www.umt.edu/catalog) 
none
3. If cross-listed course: secondary program & course
number
4. Graduate increment if level of course is changed to
UG. Reference guidelines at:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/Grad/UG.htm
(syllabus required in section V)
U 115T Blood Gas Analysis 2 cr.
Have you reviewed the graduate increment
guidelines? Please check (X) space provided.
5. Other programs affected by the change
6. Justification for proposed change
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and send
digital copy with form.
The University of Montana – College of Technlogy
Respiratory Care Program
RES 115 COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: RES 115 Blood Gas Analysis
DATE REVISED: fall 2009
SEMESTER CREDITS: 2
CONTACT HOURS PER SEMESTER: 30
CLASS MEETS: Monday, 8:10 -10:00 HB16
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Respiratory Care Program.
FACULTY:
Nick Arthur
nicholas.arthur@umontana.edu
243-7836 (office)
Office: HB02
Office Hours: TBA
RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM: Respiratory Care graduates find themselves in constant need
of the ability to efficiently and accurately obtain, analyze, and interprete both arterial and veneous
Blood gases. This course aims at clarifying the basis of sound clinical practice as well as providing a
deeper understanding of the theory and importance of alterations in Acid-Base status.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students will learn about current “Clinical Practice Guidelines” defining indications for sampling,
acquisition of samples, equipment needed for analysis, operation of said equipment, quality control,
reporting of results, detailed analysis of results, corresponding clinical implications of results,
documentation of procedures and results/actions.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course the student should be able to…
1. Discuss the current rational for Blood Gas Analysis.
2. Explain the pros and cons of various sampling methods.
3. Describe how respiratory therapists can positively impact patient outcomes through strong
clinical skills and a solid foundation in Blood gas theory.
4. Demonstrate #3
5. Show understanding of equipment use, maintenance, and quality control.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Lecture, reference reading, and group discussion.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT METHODS AND GRADING PROCEDURES:
Unit exams
20%
Quizzes/essay 20%
Final Exam
40%
Attendance/participation 20%
GRADING SCALE:
A = 4.0
95-100%
C = 2.00 74-76%
A- = 3.67 90-94%
C- = 1.67 70-73%
B+ = 3.33 87-89%
D+ = 1.33 67-69%
B = 3.00 84-86%
D = 1.00
64-66%
B- = 2.67 80-83%
D- = 0.67 60-63%
C+ = 2.33 77-79%
F = 0.00
Students must have a “B-” final grade in order to progress within the program. Test questions will
be based on unit objectives.
ATTENDANCE:
The material is presented from a practical as well as a theoretical approach, therefore regular
attendance is required to successfully complete this course. The test schedule is included in this
syllabus. Class attendance is an integral part of this course. Pop quizzes may be given randomly.
Failure or absence for the quizzes will result in a zero being recorded and used in computing your
average.
CELL PHONES/PAGERS:
Due to an increasing number of students who own and use cell phones and pagers, it has become
necessary to institute a policy regarding these tools during class times. As you are aware, these
tools are distracting to an entire class. However, some students require them for business which
allows them to further their education. Please follow these guidelines:
1. If the cell phone/pager is not business or emergency related, please turn it off.
2. Use the vibrating option on your pager.
3. Do not listen to the messages in class. Leave class quietly.
4. CELL PHONES AND PAGERS MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING EXAM AND CLASS
PRESENTATIONS.
SEATING:
Many classrooms have chairs to accommodate persons with disabilities. These chairs will display
the international disability symbol and are assigned to a particular student. Please refrain from using
these chairs or making adjustments to them unless the chair is assigned to you. If you think you
may have the need for a specific chair, please contact Disability Student Services. Thank you for
your cooperation.
TEST/QUIZ MAKEUP:
Make-up exams and lab experiences will only be given under extreme circumstances and then only
if: a) permission is granted in advance by the course instructor, or b) a written excuse is provided
by a medical doctor. The burden of proof is on the student, so you must document and prove a
justifiable absence. Not following this procedure prior to the exam will automatically result in a
zero score being recorded. Missed tests need to be made up within one week of the original date
given. You are responsible for contacting the Academic Support center to schedule
the make-up. Failure to do so will result in a ZERO grade for the missed test.
The faculty senate guidelines concerning the issuance of incomplete grades will be followed. Also
attention to critical dates such as P/NP, drop, etc. is the responsibility of the student. Students
wishing to drop the class after the drop deadline will need a documented justifiable reason for doing
so. Dropping the class for fear of bad grade or to protect a GPA are not justifiable reasons. The
principles and policies embodied in the Student Handbook Code will be adhered to in this course.
It is the expectation that homework will be turned in when due. If you are not present it is your
responsibility to see that it is in my mailbox by 4:00 p.m. on the due date or a zero will be recorded
and used in computing your average.
HOW VARIOUS ASSESSMENT METHODS WILL BE USED TO IMPROVE THE
COURSE:
The course is assessed by discussion with peers, discussions with students, student evaluations, and
by teacher self-evaluation of methods, materials, adaptations for class size, and tests. The course is
evaluated and updated annually.
REQUIRED TEXT:
TITLE: Clinical Blood Gases
AUTHOR: Malley,William, J.
PUBLISHER: Elsevier
COURSE OUTLINE:
UNIT I
Introduction & Background
Outline: Classification and Categorization of Outcomes.
A. Normal Values
B. Arterial and Venous
C. Acquisition Techniques-Sources of Error
D. Cannulation Safety and Precautions
E. Acid Base Status
F. Interpretation, a Systemic Approach
G. Compensation
H. Oxygenation Status
I. Equipment.- Theory, Maintenance, QC, Errors.
Objectives: At the end of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate both technical and didactic proficiency in all outlined content areas.
Unit II
Physiology
Outline: Classification and Categorization of Outcomes.
A. Acid-Base Homeostasis.
B. Gas Transport.
C. Metabolic Components.
D. Respiratory Components
Objectives: At the end of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate both technical and didactic proficiency in all outlined content areas.
Unit III
Oxygenation
Outline: Classification and Categorization of Outcomes.
a.
Assessment of Hypoxemia.
b.
Clinical Presentation of Hypoxemia.
c.
Intervention techniques, Modalities.
d.
Shunting- Cause and effect.
e.
Cardiac Considerations.
Objectives: At the end of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate both technical and didactic proficiency in all outlined content areas.
Unit IV
Acid- Base Balance
Outline: Classification and Categorization of Outcomes.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ventillatory Status
Metabolic Factors. Kidneys
Sepsis
Electrolyte Management.
Case Studies
Objectives: At the end of this unit, the student will be able to:
1. 1. Demonstrate both technical and didactic proficiency in all outlined content areas.
VI Department Summary (Required if several forms are submitted) In a separate document list course
number, title, and proposed change for all proposals.
VII Copies and Electronic Submission. After approval, submit original, one copy, summary of
proposals and electronic file to the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt.edu.