NBRC Mechanical Ventilation 3

Question 1

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) uses:

Accepted Answer

Very small tidal volumes at very high rates (3–15 Hz)

Answer

HFOV delivers very small tidal volumes (often less than anatomical dead space) at very high frequencies, maintaining lung recruitment while minimizing pressure swings.

Question 2

The spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) is used to assess:

Accepted Answer

Patient readiness for extubation

Answer

An SBT evaluates whether a patient can sustain adequate ventilation and oxygenation without mechanical ventilator support before extubation is attempted.

Question 3

The rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) predicts weaning success. A favorable RSBI is:

Accepted Answer

Less than 105 breaths/min/L

Answer

An RSBI below 105 (f/VT ratio) is associated with successful weaning; values above 105 suggest the patient is unlikely to tolerate extubation.

Question 4

Which alarm condition most urgently requires immediate assessment and intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apnea alarm with absent patient effort

Answer

An apnea alarm with absent patient effort indicates the patient is not breathing, requiring immediate assessment and intervention to prevent hypoxia.

Question 5

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure should be maintained at:

Accepted Answer

20–30 cmH2O

Answer

ETT cuff pressure of 20–30 cmH2O (or 15–22 mmHg) provides an adequate seal to prevent aspiration while avoiding mucosal ischemia.

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC Mechanical Ventilation 3