NPTE-PT Cardiopulmonary Assessment and Management 2

Question 1

A patient with COPD has a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg and pH of 7.32. Which acid-base disturbance does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Answer

Elevated PaCO2 (>45 mmHg) combined with decreased pH (<7.35) indicates respiratory acidosis.

Question 2

During auscultation, a physical therapist hears a high-pitched, continuous musical sound during expiration. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Wheezing is a high-pitched, continuous, musical sound caused by narrowed airways, most commonly heard during expiration.

Question 3

A patient post-CABG is on day 2. The therapist notices the patient's SpO2 drops from 95% to 88% during ambulation. The MOST appropriate action is:

Accepted Answer

Stop activity, apply supplemental oxygen, and notify nursing

Answer

An SpO2 drop below 90% during activity is a contraindication to continuing exercise and requires immediate supplemental oxygen and medical notification.

Question 4

Which breathing pattern is characterized by alternating periods of hyperpnea and apnea, often seen in patients with heart failure or neurological damage?

Accepted Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respiration features a cyclic pattern of gradual increase and decrease in tidal volume followed by apnea, associated with heart failure or brain injury.

Question 5

A physical therapist is treating a patient with left-sided heart failure. Which pulmonary finding is MOST expected on auscultation?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral basilar crackles

Answer

Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary edema, leading to bilateral basilar crackles from fluid accumulation in the lung bases.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Cardiopulmonary Assessment and Management 2