RRT Flashcards

Which pulmonary function test finding is most consistent with obstructive lung disease?

Answer: FEV1/FVC ratio less than 0.70

An FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 is the hallmark spirometric criterion for airflow obstruction.

Which medication is most appropriate for treating a patient experiencing an acute severe asthma attack unresponsive to inhaled albuterol?

Answer: Intravenous magnesium sulfate

IV magnesium sulfate causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and is used for severe refractory asthma.

When calculating the alveolar-arterial (A-a) oxygen gradient, which formula is used to find PAO2?

Answer: PAO2 = FiO2 (PB - PH2O) - PaCO2/RQ

The alveolar gas equation: PAO2 = FiO2(PB − 47) − PaCO2/0.8 is used to calculate alveolar oxygen tension.

Which of the following best describes the Fick principle as applied to cardiac output measurement?

Answer: CO = O2 consumption / (CaO2 - CvO2)

The Fick principle states cardiac output equals oxygen consumption divided by the arteriovenous oxygen content difference.

A patient with neuromuscular disease shows a maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) of -18 cmH2O. What does this suggest?

Answer: Significant respiratory muscle weakness requiring monitoring for ventilatory failure

MIP less negative than -20 cmH2O indicates severe inspiratory muscle weakness and risk of ventilatory failure.

Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise and consistent FiO2?

Answer: Venturi mask

The Venturi mask uses the Bernoulli principle to entrain a fixed ratio of room air, delivering precise FiO2 regardless of flow rate.

A newborn has Apgar scores of 3 at 1 minute and 5 at 5 minutes. The FIRST priority intervention is:

Answer: Stimulate and open the airway with positive pressure ventilation if needed

Neonatal resuscitation begins with warmth, stimulation, and airway management; PPV is initiated if HR <100 or inadequate breathing.