RRT Flashcards
7 cards from real RRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 RRT flashcards as text
Which of the following correctly describes high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)?
Answer: Uses tidal volumes smaller than anatomical dead space at very high frequencies
HFOV delivers very small tidal volumes (1-3 mL/kg) at frequencies of 3-15 Hz, keeping mean airway pressure constant while oscillating around it.
A patient with suspected pulmonary embolism has which of the following MOST typical ABG findings?
Answer: Hypoxemia with respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO2)
PE typically causes hypoxemia from V/Q mismatch and reflexive hyperventilation leading to low PaCO2 and respiratory alkalosis.
Which of the following is the MOST effective method to confirm correct endotracheal tube placement after intubation?
Answer: Continuous waveform capnography
Continuous waveform capnography (ETCO2) with a consistent rectangular waveform is the gold standard for confirming and monitoring ETT placement.
When performing a helium dilution test for measuring functional residual capacity (FRC), what is the underlying principle?
Answer: A known concentration of helium equilibrates with lung gas allowing calculation of FRC
In helium dilution, a known amount of helium equilibrates between the spirometer and lungs; the final diluted concentration allows FRC calculation via conservation of mass.
Which condition is MOST likely to cause a decreased diffusing capacity (DLCO)?
Answer: Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis thickens the alveolar-capillary membrane, impairing gas diffusion and reducing DLCO.
Which of the following represents a normal mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2)?
Answer: 60-80%
Normal SvO2 is 60-80%, reflecting adequate tissue oxygen delivery relative to consumption; values below 60% suggest inadequate delivery or increased extraction.
A patient receiving heliox therapy for croup would MOST likely receive which mixture?
Answer: 70% helium / 30% oxygen
70:30 heliox is the most commonly used mixture for upper airway obstruction, balancing low-density gas benefit with adequate oxygen delivery.