What is the primary role of a respiratory therapist?

The primary role of a respiratory therapist is to diagnose and treat lung and breathing disorders. This includes working with patients who have conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other respiratory ailments. Respiratory therapists are skilled in administering various treatments and therapies, including ventilator management, inhalation therapy, and oxygen therapy, to help improve the patient's respiratory function and overall well-being.

They are also involved in the assessment of a patient’s pulmonary function, which allows them to develop appropriate treatment plans and monitor the patient's progress. This role is crucial in healthcare settings where respiratory care is needed to support patients in recovering from acute and chronic respiratory issues.

In contrast, the roles involving surgeries, managing heart conditions, or providing nutritional advice fall outside the scope of a respiratory therapist's responsibilities. Therefore, the focus on lung and breathing disorders distinctly characterizes the primary role of respiratory therapists.