NBRC Respiratory Therapist 2

Question 1

A patient on mechanical ventilation develops sudden hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased breath sounds on the left. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax causes mediastinal shift, compressing the heart and great vessels, leading to hemodynamic instability.

Question 2

Which parameter best indicates a patient's readiness to wean from mechanical ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) < 105

Answer

An RSBI (f/VT) < 105 breaths/min/L is the strongest single predictor of successful extubation.

Question 3

A patient with COPD presents with pH 7.30, PaCO2 58 mmHg, PaO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 28 mEq/L. What is the correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Acute-on-chronic respiratory acidosis

Answer

Elevated HCO3 indicates chronic CO2 retention, but pH below 7.35 suggests an acute exacerbation superimposed on the chronic state.

Question 4

When performing nasotracheal suctioning, the maximum suction pressure for an adult should not exceed:

Accepted Answer

-120 mmHg

Answer

Adult nasotracheal suctioning should not exceed -120 mmHg to avoid mucosal trauma and hypoxia.

Question 5

Which inhaled medication is classified as a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)?

Accepted Answer

Tiotropium bromide

Answer

Tiotropium is a LAMA with a 24-hour duration of action, used for maintenance therapy in COPD.

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test