RRT Ultimate Flashcards

Which ventilator waveform finding is most consistent with auto-PEEP (intrinsic PEEP)?

Answer: Expiratory flow that does not return to zero before the next breath

Auto-PEEP occurs when expiratory flow is still present when the next breath begins, indicating incomplete exhalation.

A patient with a tracheostomy tube has a plugged inner cannula causing acute respiratory distress. What is the FIRST action the therapist should take?

Answer: Remove and replace the inner cannula

Removing and replacing (or cleaning) the inner cannula immediately relieves the obstruction caused by secretion plugging.

What is the recommended maximum suction pressure for an adult patient during endotracheal suctioning?

Answer: -100 to -150 mmHg

AARC guidelines recommend suctioning pressure of -100 to -150 mmHg for adults to effectively clear secretions while minimizing trauma.

Which condition is MOST likely to cause a normal chest X-ray in a patient with severe hypoxemia?

Answer: Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism obstructs blood flow without direct parenchymal changes, often leaving the CXR normal or near-normal despite severe hypoxemia.

When setting up a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), which criterion would DISQUALIFY a patient from completing the test?

Answer: Unstable angina or recent MI within 1 month

Unstable angina or an MI within the past month is an absolute contraindication to the 6MWT due to risk of serious cardiac events.

A patient is receiving non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) with IPAP 14 cmH2O and EPAP 6 cmH2O. What is the effective pressure support delivered?

Answer: 8 cmH2O

Effective pressure support on NIPPV = IPAP − EPAP = 14 − 6 = 8 cmH2O.

Which finding on a capnography waveform (EtCO2) suggests esophageal intubation?

Answer: Absence of CO2 waveform after intubation

Absence of a CO2 waveform after intubation confirms esophageal placement, as the esophagus contains no CO2.