NBRC CRT Exam | Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice
Questions, Verified Answers & Detailed Explanations
2026/2027
Question 1
A patient requires a low-flow oxygen system that can deliver an
approximate FiO2 of 24% to 40% at flow rates of 1 to 6 L/min. Which
device should the respiratory therapist select?
• A. Simple mask
• B. Nasal cannula
• C. Non-rebreather mask
• D. Air-entrainment mask
Correct Answer: B. Nasal cannula.
Detailed Rationale: A nasal cannula is a low-flow oxygen delivery device
used to administer supplemental oxygen at flow rates typically ranging
from 1 to 6 L/min, providing an approximate FiO2 of 24% to 40%
(adding roughly 4% per liter of flow).
Question 2
An E-cylinder of oxygen has a pressure of 1,200 psig and is running at a
flow rate of 3 L/min. Approximately how long will the contents of the
cylinder last? (Cylinder factor = 0.28)
• A. 56 minutes
• B. 98 minutes
, • C. 112 minutes
• D. 140 minutes
Correct Answer: C. 112 minutes.
Detailed Rationale: The duration of flow for a gas cylinder is calculated
using the formula: (𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 × 𝐶𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 )/𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤. Substituting
the values: (1200 × 0.28)/3 = 336/3 = 112 minutes.
Question 3
An arterial blood gas analysis shows: pH 7.28, PaCO2 56 mmHg, HCO3
24 mEq/L, and PaO2 75 mmHg on room air. What is the clinical
interpretation?
• A. Acute respiratory acidosis
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
• D. Mixed acid-base disorder
Correct Answer: A. Acute respiratory acidosis.
Detailed Rationale: The pH is acidic (7.28), and the PaCO2 is elevated
(56 mmHg), which indicates a primary respiratory acidosis. Because the
bicarbonate is normal (24 mEq/L), there has been no renal
compensation yet, making it acute.
Question 4
A patient is receiving oxygen via a jet nebulizer set to an FiO2 of 0.40.
The therapist notes that the nebulizer is producing no mist, although
gas flow is bubbling through the liquid. What is the most likely cause?
, • A. Flowmeter is turned off.
• B. Capillary tube is blocked or disconnected.
• C. Water level is too high.
• D. The patient's inspiratory flow is too low.
Correct Answer: B. Capillary tube is blocked or disconnected.
Detailed Rationale: When gas flows through a jet nebulizer but no
aerosol mist is produced, the capillary tube that draws liquid up from
the reservoir is typically occluded with debris/drug residue or has
become detached.
Question 5
A patient receives an aerosol treatment with albuterol and
subsequently complains of jitteriness and heart palpitations. How
should the respiratory therapist classify these symptoms?
• A. Life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate
epinephrine
• B. Common, expected side effects of beta-2 adrenergic stimulation
• C. Parasympathetic toxicity requiring atropine administration
• D. Paradoxical bronchospasm requiring discontinuation of all
therapy
Correct Answer: B. Common, expected side effects of beta-2 adrenergic
stimulation.
Detailed Rationale: Albuterol is a selective short-acting beta-2 agonist,
but systemic absorption can stimulate beta receptors elsewhere,
, commonly causing skeletal muscle tremor (jitteriness) and tachycardia
(palpitations). These are transient, expected side effects.
Question 6
Which of the following patients is the best candidate for incentive
spirometry?
• A. An unconscious patient following a drug overdose
• B. A cooperative post-operative patient recovering from upper
abdominal surgery
• C. A lethargic neonate with respiratory distress syndrome
• D. A combative adult with severe traumatic brain injury
Correct Answer: B. A cooperative post-operative patient recovering
from upper abdominal surgery.
Detailed Rationale: Incentive spirometry requires patient cooperation,
a conscious state, and the ability to take deep, sustained inspirations. It
is primarily indicated to prevent or treat atelectasis in post-operative
patients.
Question 7
When instructing a patient on the correct use of a metered-dose inhaler
(MDI) without a spacer, the respiratory therapist should advise the
patient to:
• A. Exhale completely, place the mouthpiece between the teeth
with lips sealed tightly around it, actuate the canister, and take a
slow, deep breath.
Questions, Verified Answers & Detailed Explanations
2026/2027
Question 1
A patient requires a low-flow oxygen system that can deliver an
approximate FiO2 of 24% to 40% at flow rates of 1 to 6 L/min. Which
device should the respiratory therapist select?
• A. Simple mask
• B. Nasal cannula
• C. Non-rebreather mask
• D. Air-entrainment mask
Correct Answer: B. Nasal cannula.
Detailed Rationale: A nasal cannula is a low-flow oxygen delivery device
used to administer supplemental oxygen at flow rates typically ranging
from 1 to 6 L/min, providing an approximate FiO2 of 24% to 40%
(adding roughly 4% per liter of flow).
Question 2
An E-cylinder of oxygen has a pressure of 1,200 psig and is running at a
flow rate of 3 L/min. Approximately how long will the contents of the
cylinder last? (Cylinder factor = 0.28)
• A. 56 minutes
• B. 98 minutes
, • C. 112 minutes
• D. 140 minutes
Correct Answer: C. 112 minutes.
Detailed Rationale: The duration of flow for a gas cylinder is calculated
using the formula: (𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 × 𝐶𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 )/𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤. Substituting
the values: (1200 × 0.28)/3 = 336/3 = 112 minutes.
Question 3
An arterial blood gas analysis shows: pH 7.28, PaCO2 56 mmHg, HCO3
24 mEq/L, and PaO2 75 mmHg on room air. What is the clinical
interpretation?
• A. Acute respiratory acidosis
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
• D. Mixed acid-base disorder
Correct Answer: A. Acute respiratory acidosis.
Detailed Rationale: The pH is acidic (7.28), and the PaCO2 is elevated
(56 mmHg), which indicates a primary respiratory acidosis. Because the
bicarbonate is normal (24 mEq/L), there has been no renal
compensation yet, making it acute.
Question 4
A patient is receiving oxygen via a jet nebulizer set to an FiO2 of 0.40.
The therapist notes that the nebulizer is producing no mist, although
gas flow is bubbling through the liquid. What is the most likely cause?
, • A. Flowmeter is turned off.
• B. Capillary tube is blocked or disconnected.
• C. Water level is too high.
• D. The patient's inspiratory flow is too low.
Correct Answer: B. Capillary tube is blocked or disconnected.
Detailed Rationale: When gas flows through a jet nebulizer but no
aerosol mist is produced, the capillary tube that draws liquid up from
the reservoir is typically occluded with debris/drug residue or has
become detached.
Question 5
A patient receives an aerosol treatment with albuterol and
subsequently complains of jitteriness and heart palpitations. How
should the respiratory therapist classify these symptoms?
• A. Life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate
epinephrine
• B. Common, expected side effects of beta-2 adrenergic stimulation
• C. Parasympathetic toxicity requiring atropine administration
• D. Paradoxical bronchospasm requiring discontinuation of all
therapy
Correct Answer: B. Common, expected side effects of beta-2 adrenergic
stimulation.
Detailed Rationale: Albuterol is a selective short-acting beta-2 agonist,
but systemic absorption can stimulate beta receptors elsewhere,
, commonly causing skeletal muscle tremor (jitteriness) and tachycardia
(palpitations). These are transient, expected side effects.
Question 6
Which of the following patients is the best candidate for incentive
spirometry?
• A. An unconscious patient following a drug overdose
• B. A cooperative post-operative patient recovering from upper
abdominal surgery
• C. A lethargic neonate with respiratory distress syndrome
• D. A combative adult with severe traumatic brain injury
Correct Answer: B. A cooperative post-operative patient recovering
from upper abdominal surgery.
Detailed Rationale: Incentive spirometry requires patient cooperation,
a conscious state, and the ability to take deep, sustained inspirations. It
is primarily indicated to prevent or treat atelectasis in post-operative
patients.
Question 7
When instructing a patient on the correct use of a metered-dose inhaler
(MDI) without a spacer, the respiratory therapist should advise the
patient to:
• A. Exhale completely, place the mouthpiece between the teeth
with lips sealed tightly around it, actuate the canister, and take a
slow, deep breath.
