RRT RRT Knowledge 2

Question 1

A patient with ARDS on mechanical ventilation has a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 85. According to the Berlin Definition, this classifies as which severity?

Accepted Answer

Severe ARDS

Answer

A PaO2/FiO2 ratio less than 100 mmHg with PEEP ≥5 cm H2O classifies as severe ARDS per the Berlin Definition.

Question 2

Which ventilator waveform pattern indicates auto-PEEP (intrinsic PEEP) is present?

Accepted Answer

Flow fails to return to zero before next breath

Answer

Auto-PEEP occurs when expiratory flow does not return to zero baseline before the next breath begins, indicating gas trapping.

Question 3

A patient receiving BiPAP at IPAP 14 / EPAP 6 cm H2O has an effective pressure support of:

Accepted Answer

8 cm H2O

Answer

Effective pressure support on BiPAP equals IPAP minus EPAP, so 14 − 6 = 8 cm H2O.

Question 4

When performing a slow vital capacity (SVC) maneuver, the patient is instructed to:

Accepted Answer

Inhale maximally then exhale slowly and completely

Answer

SVC requires a maximal inhalation followed by a slow, complete exhalation without forced effort, minimizing dynamic airway compression.

Question 5

Which blood gas result is consistent with acute respiratory alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

pH 7.52, PaCO2 28, HCO3 22

Answer

A pH above 7.45 with a low PaCO2 and near-normal HCO3 indicates acute respiratory alkalosis (hyperventilation without renal compensation).

RRT Exam Practice Test