RRT RRT Mechanical Ventilation 3

Question 1

Which ventilator mode is most appropriate for a patient in early weaning who has some spontaneous effort?

Accepted Answer

Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV)

Answer

PSV augments spontaneous breaths with a set pressure, encouraging patient effort while unloading respiratory muscles during weaning.

Question 2

What immediate action should be taken if a ventilated patient triggers a high-pressure alarm?

Accepted Answer

Manually ventilate with bag-mask and assess for cause (secretions, bronchospasm, pneumothorax)

Answer

Disconnecting and manually ventilating while assessing the patient allows safe oxygenation while investigating the cause of increased airway resistance or compliance change.

Question 3

What is the recommended head-of-bed elevation to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) risk?

Accepted Answer

30–45 degrees

Answer

Elevating the head of bed 30–45 degrees reduces aspiration of gastric contents and oropharyngeal secretions, decreasing VAP risk.

Question 4

A ventilated patient has PaCO2 of 55 mmHg and pH of 7.28. What ventilator change is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Increase respiratory rate or tidal volume to increase minute ventilation

Answer

Increasing minute ventilation (via rate or tidal volume) increases CO2 elimination, correcting respiratory acidosis.

Question 5

Which condition requires immediate needle decompression in a mechanically ventilated patient with sudden hemodynamic collapse?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax causes mediastinal shift, impairs venous return, and leads to cardiovascular collapse; needle decompression is lifesaving.

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT RRT Mechanical Ventilation 3