RRT RRT Mechanical Ventilation 1

Question 1

What is the primary goal of lung-protective ventilation in ARDS?

Accepted Answer

Limit tidal volume to 6 mL/kg IBW to prevent volutrauma

Answer

The ARDSNet protocol recommends tidal volumes of 4–6 mL/kg IBW to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury from overdistension.

Question 2

Which ventilator mode delivers a guaranteed tidal volume regardless of lung compliance changes?

Accepted Answer

Volume-Controlled Ventilation (VCV)

Answer

Volume-controlled ventilation delivers a set tidal volume with each breath by adjusting pressure, ensuring consistent minute ventilation regardless of compliance.

Question 3

What does PEEP stand for and what is its primary purpose in mechanical ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Positive End-Expiratory Pressure; prevents alveolar collapse at end-expiration

Answer

PEEP maintains a baseline positive pressure at end-expiration to recruit collapsed alveoli and improve oxygenation.

Question 4

A patient on volume control ventilation has a plateau pressure of 32 cmH2O. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Decrease tidal volume to reduce lung injury risk

Answer

Plateau pressures above 30 cmH2O indicate overdistension risk; reducing tidal volume lowers plateau pressure and prevents barotrauma.

Question 5

Which ventilator waveform indicates auto-PEEP (intrinsic PEEP)?

Accepted Answer

Flow not returning to zero before the next breath begins

Answer

Auto-PEEP occurs when expiratory flow does not reach zero before the next breath, indicating air trapping and incomplete exhalation.

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT RRT Mechanical Ventilation 1