RRT RRT Knowledge 3

Question 1

A patient with cystic fibrosis is ordered high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO). The primary mechanism of mucus clearance with this therapy is:

Accepted Answer

Creating oscillating airflow that alters mucus rheology and facilitates clearance

Answer

HFCWO generates rapid chest wall compressions that create oscillating airflow, thinning mucus and moving it toward central airways.

Question 2

Which hemodynamic parameter is MOST directly measured by a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz)?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac output via thermodilution

Answer

The pulmonary artery catheter directly measures cardiac output using thermodilution; SVR and other derived values are calculated.

Question 3

A patient on volume-controlled ventilation develops a sudden increase in peak airway pressure with unchanged plateau pressure. The MOST likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Increased airway resistance

Answer

A rise in peak pressure with an unchanged plateau pressure indicates increased airway resistance (e.g., bronchospasm, secretions, kinked tube) since plateau reflects compliance.

Question 4

The normal P50 for adult hemoglobin (the PaO2 at which Hgb is 50% saturated) is approximately:

Accepted Answer

27 mmHg

Answer

The normal P50 for adult hemoglobin is approximately 27 mmHg, representing the midpoint of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.

Question 5

Which condition causes a LEFT shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?

Accepted Answer

Alkalosis

Answer

Alkalosis decreases 2,3-DPG effect and increases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, shifting the curve left (Hgb holds O2 more tightly).

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT Exam Practice Test

RRT RRT Knowledge 3