RCP 160 Final Review 2026 | Practice Questions &
Verified Answers | Respiratory Care
Comprehensive Exam Prep
1. Describe the significance of a PAP reading of 40/18 in a post-operative
CABG patient.
A PAP of 40/18 suggests low blood volume and requires fluid
resuscitation.
A PAP of 40/18 indicates a need for immediate intubation.
A PAP of 40/18 indicates elevated pressures that may suggest
right heart strain or pulmonary hypertension, requiring further
evaluation and management.
A PAP of 40/18 is within normal limits and indicates stable
hemodynamics.
2. Describe the significance of a patient having a saturation of 85% on
100% FiO2 while on a ventilator.
A saturation of 85% on 100% FiO2 means the ventilator settings
are optimal.
A saturation of 85% on 100% FiO2 indicates severe hypoxemia
and suggests that the patient is not adequately oxygenated
despite maximum oxygen delivery.
A saturation of 85% on 100% FiO2 indicates the patient is stable
and requires no intervention.
A saturation of 85% on 100% FiO2 is within normal limits for
ventilated patients.
3. In a scenario where a patient is experiencing severe anxiety before a
bronchoscopy, what would be the most appropriate intervention
regarding sedation?
,Administer conscious sedation to help manage the patient's
, anxiety and discomfort during the procedure.
Provide only local anesthesia without sedation.
Use general anesthesia to ensure the patient is completely
unconscious.
Avoid any sedation to allow the patient to express their
concerns.
4. What is the primary goal of hyperventilating a patient with increased
intracranial pressure (ICP)?
To increase blood pressure
To improve oxygen saturation
To lower CAO2
To reduce heart rate
5. All of the following would cause an increase in CVP, PAP, and PCWP
except:
fluid overload
cardiogenic shock
left ventricular failure
hypovolemic shock
6. What is a common method used to prevent site infection during medical
procedures?
Increased patient mobility
Antibiotic administration
Use of non-sterile gloves
Aseptic technique
, 7. Interpret the significance of a pH of 7.54 in a TBI patient. What does this
indicate about the patient's respiratory status?
A pH of 7.54 indicates acidosis, which is a sign of respiratory
failure.
A pH of 7.54 indicates normal respiratory function.
A pH of 7.54 indicates alkalosis, which may suggest
hyperventilation or respiratory compensation.
A pH of 7.54 indicates a need for immediate intubation.
8. In a clinical scenario where a patient is experiencing severe respiratory
distress and traditional ventilation methods are ineffective, how might
HFOV be utilized?
HFOV can be utilized to provide ventilation at high frequencies
while minimizing barotrauma and volutrauma to the lungs.
HFOV would not be appropriate in this scenario and traditional
methods should be continued.
HFOV should be used to increase the patient's oxygen levels
without considering lung protection.
HFOV is only applicable in cases of cardiac arrest and not for
respiratory distress.
9. What is "best PEEP"?
The PEEP level that delivers the highest cardiac output
The PEEP level that has the least hemodynamic compromise
and the maximum total oxygen delivery
The PEEP level that has the lowest effect on PaCO2
The PEEP level that delivers the highest PaO2 with the least
hemodynamic compromise
Verified Answers | Respiratory Care
Comprehensive Exam Prep
1. Describe the significance of a PAP reading of 40/18 in a post-operative
CABG patient.
A PAP of 40/18 suggests low blood volume and requires fluid
resuscitation.
A PAP of 40/18 indicates a need for immediate intubation.
A PAP of 40/18 indicates elevated pressures that may suggest
right heart strain or pulmonary hypertension, requiring further
evaluation and management.
A PAP of 40/18 is within normal limits and indicates stable
hemodynamics.
2. Describe the significance of a patient having a saturation of 85% on
100% FiO2 while on a ventilator.
A saturation of 85% on 100% FiO2 means the ventilator settings
are optimal.
A saturation of 85% on 100% FiO2 indicates severe hypoxemia
and suggests that the patient is not adequately oxygenated
despite maximum oxygen delivery.
A saturation of 85% on 100% FiO2 indicates the patient is stable
and requires no intervention.
A saturation of 85% on 100% FiO2 is within normal limits for
ventilated patients.
3. In a scenario where a patient is experiencing severe anxiety before a
bronchoscopy, what would be the most appropriate intervention
regarding sedation?
,Administer conscious sedation to help manage the patient's
, anxiety and discomfort during the procedure.
Provide only local anesthesia without sedation.
Use general anesthesia to ensure the patient is completely
unconscious.
Avoid any sedation to allow the patient to express their
concerns.
4. What is the primary goal of hyperventilating a patient with increased
intracranial pressure (ICP)?
To increase blood pressure
To improve oxygen saturation
To lower CAO2
To reduce heart rate
5. All of the following would cause an increase in CVP, PAP, and PCWP
except:
fluid overload
cardiogenic shock
left ventricular failure
hypovolemic shock
6. What is a common method used to prevent site infection during medical
procedures?
Increased patient mobility
Antibiotic administration
Use of non-sterile gloves
Aseptic technique
, 7. Interpret the significance of a pH of 7.54 in a TBI patient. What does this
indicate about the patient's respiratory status?
A pH of 7.54 indicates acidosis, which is a sign of respiratory
failure.
A pH of 7.54 indicates normal respiratory function.
A pH of 7.54 indicates alkalosis, which may suggest
hyperventilation or respiratory compensation.
A pH of 7.54 indicates a need for immediate intubation.
8. In a clinical scenario where a patient is experiencing severe respiratory
distress and traditional ventilation methods are ineffective, how might
HFOV be utilized?
HFOV can be utilized to provide ventilation at high frequencies
while minimizing barotrauma and volutrauma to the lungs.
HFOV would not be appropriate in this scenario and traditional
methods should be continued.
HFOV should be used to increase the patient's oxygen levels
without considering lung protection.
HFOV is only applicable in cases of cardiac arrest and not for
respiratory distress.
9. What is "best PEEP"?
The PEEP level that delivers the highest cardiac output
The PEEP level that has the least hemodynamic compromise
and the maximum total oxygen delivery
The PEEP level that has the lowest effect on PaCO2
The PEEP level that delivers the highest PaO2 with the least
hemodynamic compromise
