NBRC TMC FINAL EXAM (2026)
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 65-year-old patient with congestive heart failure is being monitored with a pulmonary
artery catheter. The following data is obtained: CVP 10 mmHg, PAP 35/20 mmHg, PCWP 25
mmHg, CO 3.0 L/min. Which of the following is the most appropriate interpretation?
A. Left-sided heart failure
B. Hypovolemia
C. Right-sided heart failure
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: An elevated PCWP (>12 mmHg) combined with low cardiac
output and elevated PAP is indicative of left heart failure. CVP is also elevated, likely
secondary to the left-sided backup.
,2. Calculate the static compliance for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation with the
following parameters: VT 500 mL, PIP 35 cmH2O, Plateau pressure 25 cmH2O, PEEP 5 cmH2O.
A. 20 mL/cmH2O
B. 14 mL/cmH2O
C. 25 mL/cmH2O
D. 50 mL/cmH2O
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Static Compliance = VT / (Plateau - PEEP). 500 / (25 - 5) = 500 /
20 = 25 mL/cmH2O.
3. An 80/20 Heliox mixture is being delivered via a non-rebreather mask at a set flow of 10
L/min. What is the actual flow rate delivered to the patient?
A. 18 L/min
B. 10 L/min
C. 16 L/min
D. 14 L/min
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The factor for an 80/20 Heliox mixture is 1.8. Actual flow = 10
L/min x 1.8 = 18 L/min.
, 4. A patient has a PaCO2 of 45 mmHg and a mixed venous CO2 (PeCO2) of 30 mmHg.
Calculate the deadspace to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT).
A. 0.33
B. 0.25
C. 0.45
D. 0.15
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: VD/VT = (PaCO2 - PeCO2) / PaCO2. (45 - 30) / 45 = =
0.33.
5. A pulmonary function test shows a DLCO value of 55% of predicted. This finding is most
consistent with which of the following conditions?
A. Chronic Bronchitis
B. Chest Wall Deformity
C. Asthma
D. Emphysema
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Emphysema involves destruction of the alveolar-capillary
membrane, leading to a decreased DLCO. Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis usually have
normal DLCO levels.
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 65-year-old patient with congestive heart failure is being monitored with a pulmonary
artery catheter. The following data is obtained: CVP 10 mmHg, PAP 35/20 mmHg, PCWP 25
mmHg, CO 3.0 L/min. Which of the following is the most appropriate interpretation?
A. Left-sided heart failure
B. Hypovolemia
C. Right-sided heart failure
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: An elevated PCWP (>12 mmHg) combined with low cardiac
output and elevated PAP is indicative of left heart failure. CVP is also elevated, likely
secondary to the left-sided backup.
,2. Calculate the static compliance for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation with the
following parameters: VT 500 mL, PIP 35 cmH2O, Plateau pressure 25 cmH2O, PEEP 5 cmH2O.
A. 20 mL/cmH2O
B. 14 mL/cmH2O
C. 25 mL/cmH2O
D. 50 mL/cmH2O
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Static Compliance = VT / (Plateau - PEEP). 500 / (25 - 5) = 500 /
20 = 25 mL/cmH2O.
3. An 80/20 Heliox mixture is being delivered via a non-rebreather mask at a set flow of 10
L/min. What is the actual flow rate delivered to the patient?
A. 18 L/min
B. 10 L/min
C. 16 L/min
D. 14 L/min
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The factor for an 80/20 Heliox mixture is 1.8. Actual flow = 10
L/min x 1.8 = 18 L/min.
, 4. A patient has a PaCO2 of 45 mmHg and a mixed venous CO2 (PeCO2) of 30 mmHg.
Calculate the deadspace to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT).
A. 0.33
B. 0.25
C. 0.45
D. 0.15
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: VD/VT = (PaCO2 - PeCO2) / PaCO2. (45 - 30) / 45 = =
0.33.
5. A pulmonary function test shows a DLCO value of 55% of predicted. This finding is most
consistent with which of the following conditions?
A. Chronic Bronchitis
B. Chest Wall Deformity
C. Asthma
D. Emphysema
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Emphysema involves destruction of the alveolar-capillary
membrane, leading to a decreased DLCO. Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis usually have
normal DLCO levels.
