RRT MCQ Flashcards
7 cards from real RRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 RRT MCQ flashcards as text
A 70 kg patient on volume control ventilation has a tidal volume of 500 mL, rate of 14, I:E ratio of 1:2, and peak flow of 60 L/min. What is the inspiratory time?
Answer: 0.50 seconds
Inspiratory time = tidal volume (L) ÷ peak flow (L/s) = 0.5 L ÷ (60/60 L/s) = 0.5 seconds.
In a patient with status asthmaticus on mechanical ventilation, auto-PEEP is detected at 12 cmH2O. The BEST immediate intervention is:
Answer: Decrease tidal volume and respiratory rate to allow more expiratory time
Reducing rate and tidal volume lengthens expiratory time, allowing trapped gas to exhale and reducing dynamic hyperinflation and auto-PEEP.
A patient's spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) is terminated early. Which finding is the MOST valid reason to stop the trial?
Answer: Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) of 120
An RSBI (f/VT) ≥105 predicts SBT failure; a value of 120 indicates rapid, shallow breathing pattern consistent with respiratory muscle fatigue.
Which finding confirms tracheal (not esophageal) intubation after orotracheal intubation?
Answer: Continuous colorimetric end-tidal CO2 detection over 6 breaths
Continuous colorimetric or capnographic ETCO2 detection persisting over ≥6 breaths is the gold-standard confirmation of tracheal intubation.
A patient with pulmonary hypertension requires inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy. The primary mechanism of action is:
Answer: Selective pulmonary vasodilation by activating guanylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle
iNO diffuses into pulmonary vascular smooth muscle, activates soluble guanylate cyclase, raises cGMP, and causes selective pulmonary vasodilation without systemic effects.
A patient with a tracheostomy develops subcutaneous emphysema around the stoma. The MOST appropriate first action is:
Answer: Verify tracheostomy tube position with bronchoscopy or chest X-ray
Subcutaneous emphysema around a tracheostomy suggests tube malposition or paratracheal placement; tube position must be verified immediately before adjusting cuff pressure.
During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), what ventilation-to-compression ratio is recommended for a single rescuer performing adult CPR without an advanced airway?
Answer: 2 breaths per 30 compressions
Current AHA guidelines recommend a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR prior to advanced airway placement.