NBRC Respiratory Therapist 5

Question 1

A patient on BiPAP for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure has the following settings: IPAP 14, EPAP 6. What is the pressure support being delivered?

Accepted Answer

8 cmH2O

Answer

Pressure support on BiPAP equals IPAP minus EPAP (14 - 6 = 8 cmH2O), which drives tidal volume during spontaneous breaths.

Question 2

An RT reviews a patient's chart and notes a P/F ratio of 180 mmHg on FiO2 of 0.60. According to the Berlin Definition, this represents:

Accepted Answer

Moderate ARDS

Answer

The Berlin Definition classifies ARDS as mild (P/F 200–300), moderate (P/F 100–200), or severe (P/F < 100), all requiring PEEP ≥ 5 cmH2O.

Question 3

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial tidal volume setting for lung-protective ventilation in a 70 kg IBW patient with ARDS?

Accepted Answer

420 mL (6 mL/kg IBW)

Answer

The ARDSNet protocol recommends initiating mechanical ventilation at 6 mL/kg IBW to limit volutrauma and improve mortality.

Question 4

A patient develops fever, productive cough, and a new infiltrate on CXR after 72 hours of mechanical ventilation. The MOST likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)

Answer

Pneumonia developing ≥48–72 hours after endotracheal intubation is classified as ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Question 5

Which medication is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Sildenafil

Answer

Sildenafil inhibits PDE-5, increasing cGMP levels and producing pulmonary vasodilation without significant systemic effects.

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC Respiratory Therapist 5