NPTE-PT Cardiopulmonary Assessment and Management 4

Question 1

A patient receiving mechanical ventilation has a tidal volume of 800 mL set on the ventilator but only 550 mL is delivered to the patient. The MOST likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Circuit leak or airway disconnect

Answer

A significant discrepancy between set and delivered tidal volume in a ventilated patient most commonly results from a circuit leak or partial airway disconnection.

Question 2

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is 0.55 in a patient referred for cardiac rehabilitation. The therapist should:

Accepted Answer

Modify exercise intensity and monitor for claudication symptoms

Answer

An ABI of 0.55 indicates moderate peripheral arterial disease; exercise is beneficial but must be adjusted in intensity with close monitoring for intermittent claudication.

Question 3

Which of the following is the CORRECT normal range for arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) in a healthy adult breathing room air?

Accepted Answer

75–100 mmHg

Answer

Normal PaO2 on room air ranges from 75–100 mmHg; values below 60 mmHg indicate hypoxemia requiring supplemental oxygen.

Question 4

A patient with a pulmonary embolism has a PaO2 of 58 mmHg and PaCO2 of 30 mmHg. The primary mechanism of hypoxemia in this case is:

Accepted Answer

Ventilation-perfusion mismatch

Answer

Pulmonary embolism creates dead space (ventilated but unperfused alveoli), causing a V/Q mismatch that leads to hypoxemia despite a low PaCO2 from compensatory hyperventilation.

Question 5

A physical therapist is performing manual chest physiotherapy on a patient with cystic fibrosis. The MOST important contraindication to percussion and vibration is:

Accepted Answer

Recent rib fracture or osteoporosis

Answer

Recent rib fractures or severe osteoporosis are absolute contraindications to percussion and vibration because of the risk of further fracture or injury.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Cardiopulmonary Assessment and Management 4