TMC EXAM 4, Predictor Questions and
answers, 100% Accurate. Verified.
Which of the following equipment is most helpful at measuring FRC in a patient who has significant nonventilated lung spaces?
A. nitrogen analyze
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TMC EXAM 4, Predictor Questions and
answers, 100% Accurate. Verified.
Which of the following equipment is most helpful at measuring FRC in a patient who has significant nonventilated lung spaces?
A. nitrogen analyzer for a nitrogen washout test
B. helium analyzer for a helium dilution test
C. plethysmograph
D. peak flow meter - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : You can determine FRC in three different ways - body box, nitrogen washout, or helium
dilution. If someone has non-ventilated lung space, nitrogen washout and helium dilution are not helpful
and may be inaccurate. FRC determined by body box will be higher because it can access non-ventilated
lung space and therefore is more accurate.
The respiratory therapist is making a home visit to evaluate an oxygen-dependent patient. The patient
has 3+ pitting peripheral edema and has not followed the physician's orders to limit fluid intake. You
would expect which of the following hemodynamic values?
A. elevated PCWP with a low cardiac output
B. low mean arterial pressure
C. elevated right sided preload with a normal to low right ventricular after load
D. reduced cardiac index - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : Right-sided preload is another name for CVP (central venous pressure). Peripheral edema
is one of the signs associated with right heart failure, which results in an elevated CVP with a normal or
low pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), a.k.a. right ventricular afterload.
A ventilator-dependent patient is scheduled for an MRI, which will require a transport of 90 minutes.
The patient is receiving humidification with a heated- humidification system. A transport ventilator is
available. How should a respiratory therapist assure that humidification will be provided to the patient
during the MRI procedure?
A. Provide a pass-over humidifier
B. Provide an HME
C. Provide ventilation with a manual resuscitator
D. Use the same humidification system in use on the primary ventilator - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : A heat moisture exchanger (HME) is appropriate for a transport of only 90 min.
Furthermore, the scenario does not suggest that the patient has thick, retained secretions, therefore an
HME may be applied.
Which of the following conditions would benefit most from polysomnography?
A. COPD
B. congestive heart failure
C. suspected increased airway resistance
D. obesity with increased day-time sleepiness - ✔✔-The correct answer is : D
Explanation : Polysomnography is another word for sleep study. An obese patient who has daytime
sleepiness would benefit most from polysomnography. Keep in mind that Polysomnography is the study
of the problem - not the solution. But it must be done for diagnostic purposes and in order to find the
adequate CPAP setting.
Which of the following can accurately be stated about a widening alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient?
A. decreased venous admixture
B. onset of oxygen toxicity
C. increased intrapulmonary shunting
D. improving V/Q mismatch - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : A normal alveolar arterial oxygen gradient is below 65 mmHg. When that gradient rises to
200, 300, 400, or more, then you have what is called shunting. If the A-a gradient is less than 300 it's
technically called a ventilation perfusion (VQ) mismatch. But generally speaking, as the gradient widens
it can properly be said that there is an increase in pulmonary shunting.
How many hours will an H cylinder with 1400 psi last for a patient receiving oxygen at 7 lpm?
A. 6 hours
B. less than 1 hour
C. 10 hours
D. 4 hours - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : And H cylinder has a tank factor of 3.14. 3.14x1400 PSI = 4396 L. 4396 L / 7 L per minute =
628 min. 628 min./ 60 min.= 10.4 hours, or about 10 hours. When you get an answer that is not exact,
pick the closest number possible. It is common on the exam not see the exact answer from your
calculation. This is because the NBRC knows that you're estimating.
The respiratory therapist notes a fall in pulse from 80/min to 60/min with a proportional drop in blood
pressure during a suction procedure. Which of the following would be the most likely cause of these
observations?
A. Copious secretions
B. Vagal reflex
C. Transient hypoxemia
D. Suction pressure is too high - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : During suctioning, a patient's heart rate may fall. This is a normal physiological response
associated with the vagal reflex, or the vagal nerve response. This response will also lower blood
pressure.
A bronchopleural fistula on a patient receiving mechanical ventilation with a chest tube drainage system
in place would be most likely be indicated by which of the following observations?
A. occasional low-exhaled volume alarm
B. high pressure ventilator alarm
C. excess bubbling in the water seal chamber
D. I:E ratio alarms - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : A bronchopleural fistula is essentially a leak from the airway in the lungs to the pleural
space. This condition can result in two things - one) a low-pressure or low-volume alarm, 2) excess
bubbling in the water seal chamber of the chest tube drainage system. When you look at the answers, a
leak would not cause a high pressure alarm.
The best test determination for a forced vital capacity maneuver is done by which of the following
calculations?
A. FEV1 + FVC
B. SVC + FVC
C. TLC - FVC
D. FEV1/FVC - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : To determine the best trial or best patient effort for a forced vital capacity maneuver, the
trial with the highest sum of the FEV1 and FVC is considered to be the patient's best effort.
Which of the following medications would be helpful at reversing the affect of a benzodiazepine
medication?
A. Narcan
B. Romazicon
C. Versed
D. Norcuron - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : Romazicon is the only medication on the list that can reverse the effects of
benzodiazepines.
A mechanically ventilated patient who with an 8.0 mm trachestomy tube in place has a strong cough,
but is unable to expectorate thick, dry secretions. During an attempt to suction the patient, the tube
becomes dislodged, but promptly placed back to its proper position. Following the procedure, the
respiratory therapist notes dry crackles in the right upper lobe and neck upon auscultation. These breath
sounds would most likely be associated with
A. retained secretions in the airway
B. pneumothorax
C. subcutaneous emphysema
D. bleb emphysema - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : In this scenario the respiratory therapist should assume that while the tube was dislodged,
breaths delivered by the ventilator caused air to be forced into soft tissue areas under the skin outside
of the trachea. This condition is known as subcutaneous emphysema. Auscultation reveals dry crackles
and crepitus upon palpation.
An emergency room physician orders an arterial blood gas with Carboxyhemoglobin level. This exam will
help the physician determine which of the following?
A. CO poisoning
B. Presence of sickle cell anemia
C. Carbon dioxide serum levels
D. Presence of fetal hemoglobin - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels are determined with an instrument called a cooximeter, which directly measures arterial blood COHb. Both carbon monoxide poisoning and evidence
of smoking, or exposure to cigarette smoke can be determined with the COHb level.
What is the relative humidity of the inspired gas of a patient who is intubated if the humidity deficit is 33
mg/L?
A. 50%
B. 75%
C. 100%
D. 25% - ✔✔-The correct answer is : D
Explanation : There are 44 mg of water per liter of gas if the gas is at 100% relative humidity. If you have
only 11 mg/L of gas (deficit of 33 mg) then you have only 25% relative humidity because 11 mg is 25% of
44.
A COPD patient who has bilateral expiratory wheezing would benefit most immediately from which of
the following medications?
A. Tilade (Nedocromil)
B. Budesonide (Pulmicort)
C. Albuterol
D. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : A COPD patient would benefit most from short-term bronchodilation because the patient
is currently wheezing. Of the options listed, only albuterol is considered to be a bronchodilator.
A patient with acute epiglottitis is awaiting transport to surgery for a tracheotomy under anesthesia.
SpO2 is 88% on room air. While waiting the patient would benefit most from which of the following?
A. heliox therapy with 60%/40% mixture
B. high flow Venturi mask set at 50%
C. simple mask at 6 L/min
D. nasal cannula at 2 L/min - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : The patient has an arterial oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. This is consistent with
hypoxemia and indicates a need for supplemental oxygen. Because the patient has acute epiglottitis,
Heliox therapy is appropriate to reduce airway resistance. Additionally, the patient would benefit from
an adult therapeutic dose of oxygen, which starts at 40%. Therefore, 60-40% Heliox mixture is most
appropriate.
An MVA victim with severe facial trauma has been trached in the emergency room. The respiratory
therapist should now provide
A. heated/humidified aerosol at FIO2 1.0
B. cool aerosol at FIO2 0.50
C. heated/humidified aerosol at FIO2 0.50
D. cool aerosol at FIO2 1.0 - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : In this example, the patient's natural upper airway has been by-passed and the respiratory
therapist should be concerned about delivery of cold dry gas. Heat and humidification are the therapist's
primary concern. 100% oxygen is also necessary due to the emergent nature of the patient's condition
having suffered a motor vehicle accident.
A patient is receiving a positive pressure treatment through a fenestrated tracheostomy tube. To
prepare the patient to be able to speak, the respiratory therapist should FIRST
A. inflate the cuff
B. insert the inner cannula
C. deflate the cuff
D. cap the tube - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : When a patient has a fenestrated tracheostomy tube and requires transitioning from a
positive pressure ventilation configuration to a speaking configuration, the first step is to deflate the
cuff.
The respiratory therapist should discontinue beta sympathomimetic aerosol therapy in which of the
following scenarios?
A. A pediatric patient does not cooperate with the therapy
B. An asthmatic patient has a peak flow rate that is 75% of predicted or better
C. The patient experiences nausea and tingling in their extremities
D. A COPD patient is smoking cigarettes between therapy - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : Beta sympathomimetic medications such as albuterol, Alupent, Xopenex, etc., should be
discontinued if the patient does not tolerate them well. Tingling in the extremities, nausea, & increased
heart rate greater than 20 bpm, are all examples of poor tolerance.
Prior to obtaining an MIP value with a pressure manometer, the respiratory therapist notes the needle is
pointing at a positive pressure of 7 cm H2O prior to the maneuver. During the MIP maneuver, the
needle reaches -20 cmH2O. The therapist should
A. record an MIP of -27 cmH2O
B. repeat the maneuver five more times
C. record an MIP of -13 cmH2O
D. record and MIP of -20 cmH2O - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : Although -20 cmH2O is observed on the pressure manometer, the real pressure being
produced is -27 cmH2O. This is because the manometer is not properly calibrated to zero. Therefore, an
adjustment must be accounted for when taking a measurement. You must add the number that the
needle is pointing to prior to the maneuver to the number achieved by the patient during the maneuver
to get an accurate measurement.
A patient who is receiving mechanical ventilation in the assist/control mode with a PEEP of 10 cmH2O is
being manually ventilated during a transport to CT scan. During the transport, the respiratory therapist
notices desaturation and feels the PEEP should be increased. To do this, the therapist should
A. increase oxygen flow rate to the bag
B. cover the exhalation port
C. squeeze the bag at a higher rate
D. increase the tension on the PEEP spring - ✔✔-The correct answer is : D
Explanation : To increase the PEEP of the patient receiving positive pressure ventilation by manual
resuscitation bag, one must tighten or increase the tension of the PEEP spring. To do this, the PEEP valve
should be turned clockwise.
A patient with diabetes has significant respiratory distress. Arterial blood gases reveal a pH of 7.10,
PaCO2 of 29 torr, and a PaO2 of 81 torr. The patient has a spontaneous tidal volume of 700 mL and a
respiratory rate of 30/min. The patient is receiving 100% oxygen by an air entrainment device with the
flow at 15 L/min. Which of the following will help the patient and is the most appropriate action?
A. sedate the patient
B. employ a tandem air-entrainment device
C. increase flow rate to 25 L/min
D. switch to a Venturi mask at FIO2 0.5 with a flow set at 12 L/min - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : Although this patient is showing obvious signs of ventilatory failure the options given do
not allow us to address that problem. The options given relate to a correction of the oxygenation status
of the patient. If you look closely you will see that the total gas flow to the patient at 100% at 15 L per
minute is insufficient to keep up with the patient's inspiratory demand. Some simple math, multiplying
600 mL times a rate of 30 per minute is equal to a minute ventilation of 18 L/min. But, the patient is
receiving only 15 L/min. To correct this problem and meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory demand,
the best option is to utilize a tandem device, or a side-by-side large volume nebulizer. This will double
the total flow to the patient to be 30 L/min, which will exceed the patient's inspiratory demand.
If a pressure-cycled mechanical ventilator had a leak in the circuit, what would the respiratory therapist
expect to see?
A. Peak pressures would decrease
B. The flowrate would automatically increase to compensate
C. The pressure monometer would have a negative deflection during each breath
D. The mechanical breaths would not cycle off as expected - ✔✔-The correct answer is : D
Explanation : In pressure-cycled mechanical ventilation the positive pressure breaths stop once the
preset pressure is reached. If the circuit has a leak the preset pressure cannot be reached, and therefore
the machine will fail to cycle into exhalation.
What would occur on a time-cycled ventilator with a fixed rate if the inspiratory flow rate were
reduced?
A. decrease in tidal volume
B. increase in tidal volume
C. increase in inspiratory time
D. decrease in inspiratory time - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : On a time cycle ventilator, with a fixed rate and a fixed inspiratory time, if inspiratory flow
rate is decreased, the result would be a decrease in tidal volume.
Which of the following indicate a patient is ready to wean from mechanical ventilation?
A. RSBI 138
B. VT of 6 mL/kg
C. MIP of -12 cmH2O
D. A-aDO2 of 380 mmHg - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : In order to wean from the ventilator the MIP must be more than -28 cmH2O. Tidal volume
must be at least 5 mL per kilogram and RSBI must be less than 106. The alveoli-arterial oxygen difference
(A-a gradient) must be less than 300 mmHg. In this case only the tidal volume of 6 mL per kilogram and
the RSBI of 90 indicate the patient is ready to wean from mechanical ventilatory support.
Which of the following classes of medication is most helpful in treating an adult who has moderate
stridor following endotracheal extubation?
A. corticosteroid
B. decongestant
C. aminoglycocide
D. vasoactive - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : Mild stridor can be treated with a cool mist or racemic epinephrine. Moderate stridor
should be treated with racemic epinephrine. Severe or marked stridor should be managed as an
emergency and treated through intubation or an emergency tracheotomy.
Which of the following would be helpful during a bronchoscopy procedure to ensure adequate
continuous ventilatory support for a patient who is receiving mechanical ventilation and is dependent
on high levels of PEEP?
A. high frequency jet ventilation
B. resuscitation bag with a PEEP valve
C. Halcinon
D. closed in-line suction catheter - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : High-frequency jet ventilation may be helpful when a patient is undergoing a
bronchoscopy. This sort of ventilation keeps mean airway pressures down while the bronchoscope is in
place.
The physician has asked the respiratory therapist to help determine oxygen consumption by the tissues.
The therapist should suggest evaluation of which of the following?
A. PaO2
B. CaO2
C. C(a-v)O2
D. CvO2 - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : Oxygen available at the tissue level is best determined by examining the arterial oxygen
content or CaO2. However, to determine how much oxygen the tissue is consuming we must look at
both the CaO2 and the CVO2. This allows us to determine how much oxygen existed before the tissues
and how much oxygen exists after the tissues. When we subtract one from the other we get the C(av)O2. This value is most closely related with oxygen consumption at the tissue level.
Arterial blood gases on a patient in the cardiac intensive care unit are as follows:
pH 7.31
PaCO2 35 mm Hg
PaO2 100 mm Hg
HCO3- 18 mEq/L
BE -6 mEq/L
Which of the following is an appropriate action?
A. increase FIO2
B. administer sodium bicarbonate
C. decrease FIO2
D. increase minute volume - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : When we look at a patient's blood gas we usually start by looking at the ventilation aspect.
In this case the PaCO2, which is 35 mmHg, shows normal ventilation and therefore should have normal
acid-base relationship. However, when we observe the acid-base relationship we see that the pH is 7.31
and therefore is acidodic. If the source of the acidosis is not respiratory, then it must be metabolic. A
quick glance at the rest of the blood gas shows the HCO3- is low. Therefore, the administration of
sodium bicarbonate is most appropriate to treat metabolic acidosis.
The respiratory therapist is having difficulty getting the Polorgraphic (Ohio) oxygen analyzer to calibrate
to 100% oxygen. The analyzer consistently reads 70%. Which of the following may be a helpful remedy
to the problem?
A. Change the batteries
B. Tape a note to the analyzer indicating a 30% offset
C. Change the fuel cell
D. Send the analyzer to the manufacture for repair - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : A polargraphic (Ohio) oxygen analyzer requires batteries, computer, and an electrolyte
solution in the probe to function properly. When the analyzer fails to calibrate, the most likely cause is
depleted batteries. Because this is something the respiratory therapist can remedy, sending the analyzer
in for repair is not indicated. A fuel cell change is not indicated because only a galvanic-type oxygen
analyzer has a fuel cell.
For a patient receiving volume-controlled ventilation, which of the following will not results in increased
mean airway pressure?
A. decrease in inspiratory flow rate
B. decrease in mandatory rate
C. use of inspiratory pause
D. use of an expiratory retard - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : Decreasing inspiratory flowrate, use of an expiratory retard, and use of inspiratory pause
will all cause an increase in mean airway pressure. Decreasing rate will lower mean airway pressure.
Which of the following is most associated with a pitting peripheral edema of +3?
A. congestive heart failure
B. hypovolemia
C. Guillain-Barre' Syndrome
D. cor pulmonale - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : When a patient has pitting peripheral edema of +1, +2, +3, the pathological association is
congestive heart failure. This pitting edema occurs because of fluid shifting and has involvement of the
kidney. Follow-up examinations would include creatinine or BUN.
A mechanically ventilated asthma patient has recently responded to bronchodilator therapy resulting in
increased dynamic compliance. The patient is coughing, but high peak-pressure alarms are not sounding.
The respiratory therapist should
A. discontinue mechanical ventilation.
B. sedate the patient.
C. hyperoxygenate.
D. turn down the high-pressure limit. - ✔✔-The correct answer is : D
Explanation : When a patient coughs on a ventilator, it should trigger the high-pressure alarm. Cough is
the most common response to secretions in the large airways, which require suctioning. Also, when
pulmonary dynamic compliance increases it is easier to ventilate the patient's lungs causing the peak
pressures to go down, resulting in the need to reduce the high-pressure alarm limit.
How should the respiratory therapist set the high-pressure alarm?
A. 10-15 cmH20 above the average peak pressures
B. 5-10 cm H20 above the baseline peak pressures
C. 5-10 cm H2O above the average peak pressures
D. 10-15 cmH20 above baseline peak pressures - ✔✔-The correct answer is : D
Explanation : The high-pressure alarm on a volume-cycled mechanical ventilator should be set 10-15 cm
H2O above the baseline peak pressures.
A home care patient, who receives supplemental oxygen by concentrator at 2 L/min, indicates that not
enough oxygen is coming through the nasal cannula even though the machine is on. The therapist
should tell the patient to
A. connect the cannula to an E cylinder
B. discontinue oxygen therapy until a technician arrives
C. perform a flow calibration check
D. increase the flow rate - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : When a home care patient complains of difficulty getting enough oxygen from their
oxygen concentrator, the first step is to ensure they are receiving adequate oxygen by another source.
This should be done before troubleshooting or asking the patient to help determine the source of the
problem.V
A V/Q scan would be most helpful in evaluating which of the following?
A. restrictive lung disease
B. ARDS
C. obstructive lung disease
D. pulmonary embolism - ✔✔-The correct answer is : D
Explanation : A ventilation-perfusion scan is helpful at examining the blood flow around the alveoli and
in conjunction with the air flow into the alveoli. Together these two elements make up perfusion and
ventilation respectively. A V/Q scan cannot be used to diagnose restrictive or obstructive lung disease
and is not helpful in diagnosing adult respiratory distress syndrome.
An 75-kg (165-lb), 5-ft 11-in. female patient with pneumonia is receiving mechanical ventilator support
by a Servo adult ventilator on the following settings with corresponding arterial blood gas values:
Mode A/C
Mandatory rate 16
VT 400 mL
FIO2 0.5
pH 7.32
PaCO2 48 mmHg
PaO2 72 mm Hg
HCO3- 24 mEq/L
BE 0 mEq/L
Which of the following actions is most appropriate?
A. increase FIO2
B. increase PEEP
C. increase mandatory rate
D. increase tidal volume - ✔✔-The correct answer is : D
Explanation : The blood gas reveals the patient is not ventilating enough. An increase in mandatory rate
seems to be appropriate, but a closer look at the ventilator settings shows a different problem. The
patient's ideal body weight is about 75 kg. This means tidal volume must be at least 450 mL. The
ventilator is set to only 400 mL. So, the first step would be to adjust the tidal volume to the appropriate
range. This could, by itself, correct the hypoventilation.
Which of the following should the respiratory therapist do or observe to rapidly estimate the adequacy
of oxygenation?
A. sensorium
B. color
C. chest rise
D. perform arterial blood gas analysis - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : To obtain information rapidly and quickly, the method of assessment must be quick to
perform. The quickest methods include those that are visual in nature and do not require waiting for
test results or interpretations. Of the options offered, the best method to determine the adequacy of
oxygenation rapidly is to observe color. Observation of chest rise would assess ventilation and
performing an arterial blood gas is too time-consuming to be considered a rapid assessment.
Low-volume alarms are most important in which of the following situations?
A. adult volume-cycled ventilation
B. adult IPPB with bronchodilators
C. infant time cycled, pressure-limited ventilation
D. pediatric volume-cycled ventilation - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : When providing mechanical ventilation to an infant with a time-cycled, pressure-limited
ventilator, the low-volume alarms are critically important because a leak, or a change in lung compliance
could easily result in a significant lack of sufficient ventilation.
Which of the following should be examined to conclusively determine proper placement of an oral
endotracheal tube?
A. chest radiograph
B. breath sounds
C. ET tube marking at the teeth
D. lateral neck radiograph - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : There are various ways to determine the proper positioning of an endotracheal tube.
Examining ET tube markings at the teeth and listening to breath sounds are both quick ways to roughly
determine the position of the tube. However, neither of those methods are conclusive. The only
conclusive way to determine the proper position of the ET tube is to do a chest x-ray. Keep in mind the
question asks for a "conclusive" method. If the question asked which should be done first or
immediately, the best answer would be to visualize the ET tube markings at the teeth and the next best
answer would be to check for bilateral breath sounds.
Which of the following provides the most significant evidence of improper placement of a nasal
endotracheal tube?
A. ET tube markings are 21 cm at the right nare
B. right hemi diaphragm is higher than the left
C. SpO2 of 90%
D. breath sounds are bilateral - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : Proper placement of an endotracheal tube is manifest by bilateral breath sounds. Of the
options given the only one that indicates an improper placement of the nasal endotracheal tube is the
ET tube markings at the right nare. When the patient is nasally intubated markings at the nose should be
in the high 20s.
A patient in the cardiac care unit is found to have the following cardiac rhythm (cardiac rhythm is
asystole). Which of the following is the best initial action?
A. unsynchronized defibrillation at 360 joules
B. administer Atropine
C. confirm asystole in another lead
D. administer epinephrine - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : This cardiac rhythm is asystole, which is associated with the absence of cardiac
contraction. However, before beginning chest compressions, the absence of a cardiac contraction must
be confirmed by attempting to palpate a pulse or by confirming the asystole rhythm in another ECG
lead.
A respiratory therapist is having difficulty suctioning secretions from a 6-year old cystic fibrosis patient.
The patient is being suctioned with an 8 Fr suction catheter through a 5.5 ET tube at a pressure of 85
mmHg for 10 seconds. To increase the effectiveness of suctioning, the therapist should increase which
of the following?
A. catheter length
B. suction pressure to 100 mmHg
C. catheter size to 10 Fr.
D. suction time to 20 seconds - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : There are several ways to increase suctioning effectiveness. The best way is to increase the
suction catheter diameter size. The next best way is to increase suction pressure. Finally, increasing
suction time up to 15 seconds is also appropriate. Since the suction catheter diameter size is already as
big as is permitted the next step would be to increase suction pressure. A pediatric patient should have
a suction pressure range of 80 to 100 mmHg. Thus, the best option would be to increase the suction
pressure to 100 mmHg, which is at the top of the range.
The respiratory therapist measures the volume of a single exhalation on a patient who is breathing at
normal rate and rhythm. Which of the following volumes has the therapist observed?
A. inspiratory reserve
B. tidal
C. expiratory reserve
D. functional residual - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : The volume that is being observed when a patient is breathing normally is called tidal
volume.
The respiratory therapist measures the volume exhaled after a patient completes a maximal inhalation.
Which of the following volumes has the therapist observed?
A. FRC
B. VC
C. IC
D. IRV - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : The volume being observed when a patient exhales maximally after a maximal inhalation is
called vital capacity or VC.
Which of the following is most likely associated with hypervolemia?
A. PCWP of 7 mmHg
B. CVP of 10 mmHg
C. cardiac index of 2.0
D. PAP of 15 mmHg - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : Of all the hemodynamic values, loss of fluid (hypovolemia) or (hypokalemia), the first and
most significant hemodynamic manifestation will be found in the elevation of CVP. Normal CVP is about
5 mmHg. So, a CVP of 10 mmHg is high. Hypovolemia, or under hydration, is manifested by a low CVP.
CVP is known by many other names. Be sure to know all of the names that are associated with CVP.
A blood gas analyzer indicates an arterial blood sample taken from a normal healthy adult has a PO2
that is not in the reportable range. The therapist should
A. replace the Sanz electrode
B. perform a two-point calibration
C. perform a one-point calibration
D. report the problem to the medical director - ✔✔-The correct answer is : B
Explanation : Blood gas machines have what is called a reportable range. This means there is a limit to
how high and how low a PO2, pH, and PCO2 value the machine can detect. If the blood gas result is out
of the reportable range for that machine, usually the machine will indicate an alarm and will not report
because the results would not be accurate. To correct this problem the best solution would be to do a
two-point calibration. A two-point calibration is most appropriate because a range has both an upper
and lower limit, or two points.
Quality control data plotted on a daily chart shows points above the mean followed by a group of points
below the mean. All points are within 2 standard deviations from the mean. This data can best be
categorized as
A. out-of-control
B. a trend
C. a shift
D. a variance - ✔✔-The correct answer is : C
Explanation : The quality control data plotted on a daily chart shows the ability for the blood gas
machine to produce accurate results. If all points plotted are within the upper and lower control limits,
the machine is said to be in control and may be used to report patient results. The closer the points are
to the mean, or the middle, the more accurate and precise is the analyzer. The respiratory therapist
must monitor these points plotted on a graph to ensure the machine's accuracy. If points on the graph
are described as above the mean and suddenly below the mean, this is known as a shift. If points are
described below the mean or above the mean and gradually move to the other side of the mean line,
this is known as a trend. The machine must be monitored during trends closely to ensure it does not
trend to an out-of-control state.
A patient in the emergency room expectorates thick, yellow sputum. A chest radiograph reveals
complete opacification of the left lung. Which of the following would be appropriate for further
evaluation and treatment of the patient?
A. culture and sensitivity
B. administration of furosemide (Lasix)
C. thoracentesis of the left pleural space
D. chest tube placement on the left side - ✔✔-The correct answer is : A
Explanation : The production of thick yellow sputum is associated with an infection. A chest x-ray that
shows complete opacification of one or both lungs indicates the presence of mucus to the point it can
be seen as a consolidation on the x-ray. This is the definition of pneumonia. Because the pneumonia is
likely caused from an infection, the most appropriate action for the patient is a culture and sensitivity to
determine the microorganism (bacteria) that is causing the infection, and the antibiotic that is most
suitable to kill that particular microorganism. Placement of chest tubes or thoracentesis is for draining
air or fluid from the pleural space. Lasix is used to diurese the patient. Neither of these actions are
indicated.
A COPD patient has the following pre and post information after being placed on 4 L/min nasal cannula:
Before 1 hour After
Respiratory rate 22 16
Heart rate 109 92
Blood pressure (mm Hg) 131/90 122/78
Breath sounds Diminished Diminished
The patient is difficult to arouse. Which of the followin
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