FCCS FCCS Respiratory Management 2

Question 1

In a patient on mechanical ventilation, sudden increase in peak airway pressure with unchanged plateau pressure most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Increased airway resistance (e.g., bronchospasm, secretions)

Answer

A rise in peak pressure without a change in plateau pressure reflects increased airway resistance, suggesting bronchospasm or secretion buildup.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of PEEP in mechanical ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Prevent alveolar collapse and improve oxygenation

Answer

PEEP maintains positive end-expiratory pressure to keep alveoli open, preventing cyclic collapse and improving ventilation-perfusion matching.

Question 3

Which acid-base disturbance is most commonly caused by mechanical hyperventilation?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer

Excessive ventilation lowers PaCO2, raising blood pH and causing respiratory alkalosis.

Question 4

Before oral intubation, pre-oxygenation should ideally achieve what SpO2?

Accepted Answer

100%

Answer

Pre-oxygenation to 100% SpO2 maximizes oxygen reserves and extends the safe apnea time during intubation attempts.

Question 5

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure should be maintained between which values to prevent tracheal injury?

Accepted Answer

20–30 cmH2O

Answer

Cuff pressure of 20–30 cmH2O provides an adequate seal while preventing tracheal mucosal ischemia from excessive pressure.

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test