RRT Respiratory Therapy 5

Question 1

A patient is prescribed heliox (70% He / 30% O2) for severe upper airway obstruction. The PRIMARY benefit of helium in this mixture is:

Accepted Answer

Reduced gas density improving flow through narrow airways

Answer

Helium's low density reduces turbulent flow resistance in obstructed upper airways, improving gas delivery until definitive treatment.

Question 2

During neonatal resuscitation, what initial FiO2 is recommended for term infants?

Accepted Answer

0.21 (room air)

Answer

Current NRP guidelines recommend starting resuscitation of term neonates with room air (FiO2 0.21) and titrating based on pre-ductal SpO2 targets.

Question 3

Which spirometric pattern is characteristic of a patient with pulmonary fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Normal FEV1/FVC ratio with reduced TLC and FVC

Answer

Restrictive diseases like pulmonary fibrosis reduce all lung volumes (TLC, FVC) while preserving or increasing the FEV1/FVC ratio.

Question 4

A patient receiving aerosolized pentamidine for PCP prophylaxis should be treated in:

Accepted Answer

A negative-pressure isolation room

Answer

Aerosolized pentamidine can activate latent TB; treatments should occur in negative-pressure rooms to prevent environmental contamination.

Question 5

Plateau pressure minus total PEEP (intrinsic + extrinsic) equals:

Accepted Answer

Driving pressure

Answer

Driving pressure (ΔP) = Plateau pressure − total PEEP, reflecting the stress applied to the respiratory system with each breath; ΔP > 15 cmH2O is associated with increased ARDS mortality.

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT Respiratory Therapy 5