RRT RRT Clinical Concepts 2

Question 1

A patient with ARDS has a PaO2 of 55 mmHg on FiO2 0.80. The best next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Apply PEEP of 10 cmH2O

Answer

Increasing PEEP recruits alveoli and improves oxygenation in ARDS more effectively than simply raising FiO2 beyond 0.80.

Question 2

Which ventilator parameter best reflects small airway resistance in a mechanically ventilated patient?

Accepted Answer

Peak inspiratory pressure

Answer

Peak inspiratory pressure reflects both airway resistance and lung/chest wall compliance, making it the primary indicator of small airway resistance changes.

Question 3

A patient receiving mechanical ventilation develops sudden hypotension, decreased breath sounds on the left, and tracheal deviation to the right. The priority action is:

Accepted Answer

Perform needle decompression of the left chest

Answer

These signs indicate tension pneumothorax, which requires immediate needle decompression before imaging.

Question 4

Which bronchodilator class works by inhibiting acetylcholine receptors to reduce bronchoconstriction?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergics

Answer

Anticholinergics such as ipratropium block muscarinic receptors, preventing acetylcholine-mediated bronchoconstriction.

Question 5

A patient's arterial blood gas shows pH 7.25, PaCO2 60 mmHg, HCO3 25 mEq/L. This represents:

Accepted Answer

Acute respiratory acidosis

Answer

The low pH with elevated PaCO2 and near-normal bicarbonate indicates acute respiratory acidosis without metabolic compensation.

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT RRT Clinical Concepts 2