RRT Ultimate Flashcards

A neonate born at 28 weeks gestation develops grunting, nasal flaring, and intercostal retractions within 2 hours of birth. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

Premature neonates lack surfactant, leading to RDS with classic signs of increased work of breathing shortly after birth.

Which flow-volume loop pattern is characteristic of a fixed upper airway obstruction?

Answer: Flattened both inspiratory and expiratory loops

A fixed obstruction (e.g., tracheal stenosis) causes equal flattening of both the inspiratory and expiratory limbs of the loop.

Which parameter best reflects the adequacy of alveolar ventilation?

Answer: PaCO2

PaCO2 is the gold standard for assessing alveolar ventilation; elevated PaCO2 indicates hypoventilation.

A patient is receiving aerosolized albuterol. The therapist notes the patient's HR increases from 78 to 118 bpm. What is the BEST course of action?

Answer: Discontinue the treatment and notify the physician

A HR > 20% above baseline or exceeding 110–120 bpm is a criterion to stop albuterol therapy and report to the physician.

What is the normal range for airway resistance (Raw) in a healthy adult?

Answer: 0.6–2.4 cmH2O/L/s

Normal airway resistance in adults is approximately 0.6–2.4 cmH2O/L/s, measured via body plethysmography.

Which ventilator mode delivers a set tidal volume but allows the patient to breathe spontaneously between mandatory breaths?

Answer: Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV)

SIMV delivers a set number of mandatory breaths synchronized to patient effort and allows unassisted spontaneous breaths in between.

What is the primary purpose of adding PEEP during mechanical ventilation?

Answer: Prevent alveolar collapse at end-expiration

PEEP maintains positive pressure at end-expiration to prevent alveolar derecruitment and improve oxygenation.