RRT RRT Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care 3

Question 1

What is the hallmark chest X-ray finding in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

Accepted Answer

Diffuse ground-glass opacity with air bronchograms

Answer

RDS presents with bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacification and air bronchograms on CXR due to widespread microatelectasis from surfactant deficiency.

Question 2

Which pediatric airway emergency presents with a 'steeple sign' on anteroposterior neck X-ray?

Accepted Answer

Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Answer

Croup causes subglottic narrowing visible on AP neck X-ray as a 'steeple sign' due to subglottic edema from viral infection (usually parainfluenza).

Question 3

What flow rate is typically used with a simple pediatric oxygen mask to prevent CO2 rebreathing?

Accepted Answer

6–10 L/min

Answer

Pediatric simple face masks require a minimum of 6 L/min to flush exhaled CO2 from the mask and prevent rebreathing.

Question 4

In a neonate, which blood gas finding is most consistent with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN)?

Accepted Answer

Severe hypoxemia that responds poorly to 100% FiO2

Answer

PPHN causes right-to-left shunting through fetal channels; hypoxemia is refractory to oxygen because blood bypasses the lungs entirely.

Question 5

What is the primary risk factor for developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) from a respiratory therapy perspective?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to excessive supplemental oxygen (hyperoxia)

Answer

Hyperoxia causes retinal vasoconstriction and abnormal vessel proliferation in premature neonates whose retinal vasculature is incompletely developed.

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT RRT Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care 3