Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Mechanical Ventilation and Respiratory Support 1

Question 1

What tidal volume is recommended for lung-protective ventilation in ARDS per the ARDSNet protocol?

Accepted Answer

6–8 mL/kg predicted body weight

Answer

4–6 mL/kg predicted body weight

Answer

10–12 mL/kg predicted body weight

Answer

12–15 mL/kg predicted body weight

Question 2

A patient on mechanical ventilation has a plateau pressure of 34 cmH₂O. What is the MOST appropriate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Decrease tidal volume

Answer

Increase PEEP

Answer

Increase respiratory rate

Answer

Add pressure support

Question 3

Which PEEP strategy is recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS (PaO₂/FiO₂ <150)?

Accepted Answer

Higher PEEP per ARDS table or titration

Answer

Low PEEP (5 cmH₂O)

Answer

PEEP guided by esophageal pressure

Answer

No PEEP to avoid barotrauma

Question 4

An ACNP notes increasing peak airway pressures with unchanged plateau pressures in a ventilated patient. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Increased airway resistance

Answer

Worsening lung compliance

Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Ventilator malfunction

Question 5

Which ventilator mode delivers a set tidal volume regardless of patient effort or airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

Volume control ventilation (VCV)

Answer

Pressure support ventilation (PSV)

Answer

Pressure control ventilation (PCV)

Answer

CPAP

Question 6

What is the most common cause of sudden respiratory deterioration (desaturation) in a mechanically ventilated ICU patient?

Accepted Answer

ETT displacement or obstruction

Answer

Ventilator circuit disconnection

Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Flash pulmonary edema